Ruth Buot Yandell

Born in Cebu City, Philippines, she was the daughter of the late Alfredo Abella and Susana Mirar Lagrito Buot. Ruth began her formal piano lessons at 8 years old and graduated from high school at 14. She went directly to Silliman University, earned her B. A. (piano) and, at 17, became the youngest piano professor at Silliman University. In 1960 she was selected to travel across the Philippines to recruit talented women from prestigious universities and colleges for advanced work in music. She earned a scholarship to the Philippine Women’s University where she received a Bachelor of Music (piano performance).

Ruth came to the United States in 1964 on a Fulbright Scholarship. She attended Western Michigan University on a music fellowship and received her M. M. (piano performance). She attended The Julliard School’s Aspen Music Festival where she met Festival colleague David Yandell, a trumpet player. They were married in 1966. After she and David were married, she applied for her brothers and sisters to immigrate to the United States. While it took over 20 years for some to receive permission, three of her siblings — Sam Buot Sr., Beulah Buot-Sandoval, and Emma Buot-Alaestante — and their spouses and children immigrated.

She studied under Erlinda Matthay-Coral, Maestro Sir Albert Faurot, and William Heiles and Rosina Lhévinne of The Juilliard School. Ruth’s many honors include being listed in Who’s Who in Classical Music and Who’s Who in American Music. She shared her beautiful talent often including appearances with the Michigan Battle Creek Symphony, Western Michigan University Chamber Orchestra, Tucson Civic Orchestra, Phoenix Chamber Orchestra, and the Phoenix Bach and Madrigal Choirs. In addition, Ruth authored four books: Introduction to Music Theory with Worksheets, Keyboard Technique Level I, Keyboard Technique Level II, and Variegated Piano Technique.

For almost 50 years Ruth taught a variety of music courses at Mesa Community College including music theory, piano, organ, chamber ensemble, and piano artistry. She served as the piano department chair, provided private instruction, and in 1988, she created the Maricopa Community College District’s Music Competition which is still held every year. Ruth served as an advisor for and President of the Asian American Pacific Islander Association, a member of the District’s International Education Committee, Diversity Advisory Council, and the Faculty Recruitment Commission. In 2014, Ruth was invited to perform excerpts from Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue at the MCC Performing Arts Center Gala Concert which can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeB_RHZCdwM In 2017, she was honored with the Maricopa Community College District Heroes of Education award. She was awarded Professor Emerita status in 2020.

Ruth enjoyed traveling the world and sharing her love of historical places. She took many international trips to dozens of destinations with family and friends. She strongly believed that travel gives people a better appreciation of all cultures and helps makes the historical impact of other people, places, and events real. Ruth greatly enjoyed her Tempe home where she would go for walks twice daily, do her fitness activities, and visit with neighbors. One of her favorite places was her lakeside backyard where she relaxed, watched animals, and waved at people on the passing boats.

Ruth loved her students and colleagues at MCC where she enjoyed the camaraderie and gained life-long friendships. She was always proud and rejoiced in their accomplishments in music and in life. She would often offer advice and challenge her students to encourage their growth. Many of her students kept in touch through the decades and enjoyed reuniting at the annual Christmas party she hosted for friends and family at her home.

She was preceded in death by husband of 48 years Dr. David Palmer Yandell, brother Samuel Buot Sr., and sister Beulah May (Karen) Buot-Sandoval. She is survived by son Scott (Jennifer) and their children Dillan and Kate, son Eric (Stacey) and their children, brothers Alfredo L. Buot Jr., Dr. William L. Buot and sister Emma Jane Buot-Alaestante.

Ruth was a proponent of endowing scholarships because it was a Fulbright Scholarship that allowed her to come to the U.S.A.. Ruth and David made scholarship endowments at MCC, sponsored the green room at the MCC Performing Arts Center, and endowed a series of scholarships through the United Board which provides many types of scholarships in Asia. Ruth also gave generously to her alma mater, Silliman University, in the Philippines. If friends and family are so inclined, the family supports donations made in her memory to Mesa Community College https://www.mesacc.edu/give-online or to the Dean McGrath Scholarship Fund https://www.asufoundation.org/colleges-and-programs/schools-and-colleges/mary-lou-fulton-teachers-college/dean-mcgrath-scholarship-CA108825.html

If you would like to make a post to her permanent online obituary you can do so here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/mesa-az/ruth-yandell-10358677

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be Sunday, November 7, 2021, 1 PM at Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284. An online live stream of the ceremony will also be available here: https://livestream.com/accounts/22109053/events/9921750

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Yandell family.