Patricia Rut

Pat was born in Berwyn, IL, to Margaret and Roy Moers. She had an older brother, Ronald and a younger sister, Kathi. She married her high school sweetheart Thomas (Tom) Rut at the age of 20. They relocated to California in 1965 where Tom got a job with the California Division of Highways as a bridge engineer. Their first few years were very busy as they welcomed a daughter, Laura, one year after their marriage and a son, Joe, a year later. They moved 12 times in their first 11 years of marriage with Pat managing the kids and all the moving and homemaking details. They settled in Stockton in 1976.

Pat had rheumatoid arthritis since her teens but never let in stop her from enjoying life. With her young family she enjoyed camping, running Girl Scout and Brownie troops and helping with the Boy Scouts. When Tom had his own business she took community college classes to gain the skills to help manage it. She was an avid reader and volunteered as a literacy coach through the public library. She was very involved in her church and loved their weekly ritual of Sunday mass followed by brunch with friends. As she and Tom got older, especially after he retired, Pat enjoyed being able to travel both throughout the US and abroad. She also enjoyed their Model A car club, including dressing in period costumes at conventions. One passion she developed was genealogy. She spent hours researching her and Tom’s families. This research led her to finding a half-sister, Martha Van Ah, with whom she formed a close relationship in her later life.

Pat had a long, full life with many adventures but will be remembered mostly for her loving heart and bright smile. She lit up whenever family was around, especially her beloved grandchildren, Max and Krysta Lee. She was as in love with her husband, Tom, after over 58 years of marriage as she was as a teenager and described their life together as “an E ticket ride”.

Pat’s viewing will be at the DeYoung Memorial Chapel at 601 N California Street in Stockton on 6/11/24 from 2:30pm to 6pm. Her funeral will be at Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1515 W. Benjamin Holt Drive on 6/12/24 at 10 am. Father Mark Wagner will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pat’s life.