Ruth M. Svendsen

December 9, 1917 – May 21, 2013

Ruth Matilda Carlson Svendsen was born in St. Paul, MN on December 9, 1917 and peacefully transitioned to her life after death in La Mesa, California on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Ruth was raised in St. Paul where she graduated from Hamline University. She then pursued graduate studies in social work at University of Minnesota where she met the love of her life, Edwin A. Svendsen. Since Ed was president of the Lutheran Student Organization, Ruth ran for the position as Treasurer so she could spend more time with the tall athletic redhead with the great sense of humor. Ruth worked as a social worker delivering babies to their adoptive parents, traveling on trains throughout the Midwest, while Ed attended seminary. Ruth and Ed married in 1944 and then were briefly separated by Ed’s service as a Navy chaplain. By the time Ed accepted his first parish on Washington Island, Wisconsin, they had son Stephen and son Joel was born in the parsonage on the island.

Ed’s career in campus and parish ministry took them to Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and three locations in California. Ruth diligently and energetically served in her roles as mother and minister’s wife (a.k.a. associate minister.) Two more children were born (Karen, 1951 and Paul, 1955) and Ruth’s mother, Maebelle, joined the family in 1957.

Ruth returned to professional life as a social worker in 1969 – 1971 while Ed pursued chaplain training at Berkeley seminary. When Ed became chaplain at Home of Guiding Hands in San Diego in 1971, Ruth joined St. Andrews Lutheran Church and was an active member for 40 years.

Ruth and Ed moved to Arizona in 1980 for retirement but Ed’s passing (1916-1980) brought Ruth back to San Diego where she had family and her St. Andrews church home. Ruth was also preceded in death by her sons Paul (1980) and Stephen (2003.)

Family who celebrate Ruth and the blessing of her in their lives include son Joel (Marsha) of Joseph, OR and daughter Karen (Brian) of Louisville, KY. Four grandchildren: Amy (Joe) of Sacramento, CA, Leah (James) of Joseph, OR, Jon (Kiley) of Louisville, KY, and Emily of Hillsboro, WV. Two great-grandchildren: Haven and Skyla.

Ruth is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Marion Svendsen of Grand Rapids, IA and Evelyn Svendsen of Tacoma, WA, as well as many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Ruth’s passions and interests included the mission of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, her treasured friends and their families; traveling with her dear sisters-in-law; needlework; baking; and relishing details about what her loved ones were doing. (“What are you “up to?” If she was asked the same question, her eye-twinkling response was, “About 5 feet.”)

Ruth’s loss of sight, hearing and mobility made her world very small as she aged but it did not seem to cause bitterness. Actually, she was remarkably patient and good-humored as she waited upon God’s plan for her life.

Ruth’s family is so grateful to the loving and supportive staff at Parkway Hills so ably directed by Josephine; trustee Dave Ehlen, Pastors Andy and Manuel, story-reader and companion Jane, the birthday club and the awesome St. Andrew’s congregation.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday June 15, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 8350 Lake Murray Blvd, San Diego, followed by a reception. Families will also hold memorial services in Louisville, Kentucky and Joseph, Oregon with special Grammy-inspired menus to celebrate the gift of cooking that she gave to many of us.

Ruth touched many lives during her time and we welcome your comments and stories as we celebrate her life!

In lieu of flowers, please send your memorial gifts to one of the following:

St. Andrews Lutheran Church Education

Attn: Ruth Svendsen Memorial Fund

8350 Lake Murray Blvd

San Diego, CA 92119 (619) 741-6130

Home of Guiding Hands

1825 Gillespie Way, Suite 200

El Cajon, CA 92020-0501

http://www.guidinghands.org/how-to-give/ways-to-give/