Ruth Agnes Riesland

Ruth A. Riesland, 97, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025. She made her home in Tacna, Arizona, for over 40 years, having moved there in the 1970s with her husband James Riesland, to whom she was married for 50 years, and their six children after living in Hemet, CA. In her later years, she moved to Yuma, Arizona, where she spent her final years in assisted living, surrounded by care and comfort.

Born on December 15, 1927, in Alleghany, California, to Robert Benjamin Fillmore, a Native American of the Miwok tribe, and Helen Nelson Fillmore, who was Swedish and born in Wisconsin, Ruth came into the world under difficult circumstances. She was born extremely premature, weighing around three pounds, and was not expected to survive. Her parents kept her warm in a shoebox by the fire — a humble beginning that seemed to shape her remarkable strength and determination. Her tough spirit and longevity may well have sprouted from those earliest days.

Ruth spent her early years in Diamond Springs, California, later living in Hemet, CA, before moving with her family to Chandler, Arizona, where they lived for a short time. In the 1970s, she and her husband James settled permanently in Tacna, where she built a life rooted in family, faith, and community.

Ruth grew up in a deeply musical and faith-filled family. Alongside her parents and two brothers, she played and performed at many church gatherings and community events. Music was woven into the fabric of her life, and she continued to share her gift for decades, faithfully playing hymns for her church family in Roll, Arizona, and bringing comfort and joy through her music.

Ruth’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She read the Bible faithfully throughout her years and lived by its teachings every day. Her devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, never wavered, and she now rests in His eternal peace.

Ruth was known for her determined spirit, resourcefulness, and hard work. She loved her church, her home, and her family deeply. Her favorite indulgence was chocolate, and she delighted in wearing colorful, fun socks that reflected her cheerful and playful personality. She found joy in simple things — playing games, working on jigsaw puzzles, crafting, and finding clever ways to make beautiful and practical items from whatever she had on hand.

She was the mother of six: Marilyn, Dolores (who preceded her in death), John, Bill, Randy, and Larry. Ruth was especially blessed to have her daughter Marilyn, who cared for her diligently and lovingly for many years. Her family grew to include 17 grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren, each a blessing.

In her later years, Ruth developed a sharp wit and sense of humor that delighted those around her and revealed a playful side few had seen before. Her warmth, faith, and creativity will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Wellton Cemetery, where friends and family will gather to say a heartfelt goodbye to a true servant of our Lord.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23