Ruth Vivian Russi

Ruth Vivian Russi, 55, of Costa Mesa, CA, loving daughter and sister, passed from this life into the arms of her loving Savior on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 11:45 am. She was born on December 5, 1959 at Camp Pendleton, CA to John and June Russi, and lived in Costa Mesa most of her life. She is survived by her parents, brother John H. Russi (Maria) of Jacksonville, NC, sister June Taylor (Jon) of Phoenix, AZ, 2 nieces, 3 nephews, an aunt and many cousins. As part of a Marine Corps family, Ruth moved several times in her first years of life. Ruth lived in Houston, TX; San Antonio TX; Stockton, CA, and Santa Ana, CA before settling in Costa Mesa in 1969 where she lived the rest of her life. As a child with Downs Syndrome, Ruth required medical care and support at an early age.

Ruthie lived at home through age 12. After that time, she moved to a residential care facility and several subsequent group homes. She continued to come home on weekends and for extended stays over holidays. With the advanced developmental care available at these facilities, Ruthie was able to learn new life skills and increase her ability to communicate verbally. She was able to attend school, hold several jobs and participated in the Special Olympics.

Ruthie’s smiling and laughing ways were contagious to those around her. She enjoyed music, balloons, animals, Disneyland and McDonald’s. Ruthie brought a bit of sunshine to each day, shining light on things we may have never noticed, appreciated, or learned to cherish if she had not shown us the way. Services will be held at Family Christian Church, 792 Victoria Street (corner of Placentia), Costa Mesa, CA at 2 pm on December 19, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Special Olympics.