Ruth Ann was born to Neil and Helena Huffsmith on December 5, 1936, in Atascadero, California. The family eventually moved to Tulare where Ruth Ann attended Tulare’s public schools graduating from Tulare Union High School in 1954 prior to attending COS and Fresno State. Ruth Ann flourished at Fresno State making many lifelong friends, embracing participation in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and meeting her husband, Frank Hulbert. After Ruth Ann taught kindergarten for several years in Fresno and Visalia, Frank and Ruth Ann returned to Tulare in 1966, raised a family and actively participated in many community organizations supporting and promoting Tulare. She was particularly passionate about serving the PTA, Tulare Little League, Cub Scouts, the Cherry Avenue Junior High and Tulare Union High Band Boosters, Panhellenic, Las Madrinas (Valley Children’s Hospital), Tulare Historical Museum and the Tulare Farm Equipment Show/World Ag Expo.
She is survived by her son Clark (Diana) and 4 grandchildren Kyle, Trent, Danica, and Vanessa and her brother Hal (Jeanne). She was pre-deceased by her son Matthew (Gina).
To the very end, Ruth Ann was entertaining, quick witted, self-depreciating, funny and sarcastic but most of all kind, generous and loving. She was a joy to be with and will be missed. Ruth Ann will be laid to rest, in a private ceremony, near her mother and father at the Tulare Cemetery. Should you wish to donate in memory of Ruth Ann, please consider Las Madrinas – Valley Children’s Healthcare and/or the Tulare Historical Museum.
The family would like to thank all the dedicated and generous care givers who helped make Ruth Ann’s final days so comfortable.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
