Ruth Ann Kusamura

Ruth, age 81, of Fresno, California, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026. “Ruthie” was born on December 25, 1944, in Rivers, Arizona, to Tokio (“Ted”) and Matsuko (“Mary”) Nomura. From an early age, she carried with her a quiet strength and resilience that would define the way she lived her life. She spent most of her years in Fresno, where she built not only a career, but a life deeply rooted in family, hard work, and devotion to those she loved.

Ruthie is survived by her son Scott and his wife Wendy Kusamura, her daughter Robynn and her husband Mike Farrar; her grandchildren, Jared and Kyle Farrar, who brought her great pride and joy; her brother, Glen Nomura; and her husband, Joe Ceballos. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Mary Nomura, and her brother, Larry Nomura.

After attending trade school, Ruthie began her career in the escrow industry, where she would go on to spend more than 25 years as an escrow officer in Fresno. She was known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and integrity—qualities that earned the trust of colleagues and clients alike.

Ruthie was a woman of strong values and unwavering dedication. She believed deeply in the importance of family, and she showed that through her actions every day—through her care, her sacrifices, and the steady presence she provided to those around her. She was known for her kindness, her loyalty, and her ability to persevere through life’s challenges with grace and strength.

She found joy in the simple things. Ruthie enjoyed couponing and took pride in stretching every dollar, always thinking of how to provide for her family. She loved gardening and had a special fondness for orchids, tending to them with patience and care. She also enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with her family - she made a delicious carrot cake and was especially known for her homemade rolls. These small but meaningful passions reflected her personality - thoughtful, attentive, and quietly dedicated.

She also shared a special bond with her grandchildren, Jared and Kyle, often using playful Japanese words that became part of their everyday memories - “benjo” for bathroom, “bocha bocha” for bath, and “bachi” for bad. She affectionately called Kyle “Kylester,” a nickname that will always bring a smile and remind the family of her warmth and love.

To her family, Ruthie was a constant—someone who could be relied upon, someone who gave more than she asked for, and someone whose love was steady and enduring. Her strength, compassion, and quiet resilience will continue to live on in the lives of those she touched.

"Ruthie will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on through her family, and in the values she instilled—kindness, perseverance, and the importance of caring for one another."

Memorial Service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home in Fresno, California, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.