Ruth Ann Roe April 17, 1945 – October 13, 2018 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| View Guest Book Entries| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card At the far end of town where the Grickle-grass grows and the wind smells slow-and-sour when it blows and no birds ever sing excepting old crows… is the Street of the Lifted Lorax Ms. Ruth Ann Roe was born April 17, 1945 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Phyllis Kegley. When Ruth was four years old her family relocated to Concord, California where she matriculated through Mount Diablo for grade, junior high and high school. Ruth completed high school and graduated class 1963. Shortly thereafter Ruth began her career as a library clerk where she served over 15 years until she transferred to the sheriff’s department. Ruth spent the remainder of her career in various positions at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s department until she retired with 30 years service. As a County employee, Ruth joined the local union where she was elected shop steward and charged with organizing, advocating and defending the rights of her fellow employees. Ruth believed in the power of education and advocacy, and she loved people. Her life exemplified love, courage, hope, tenacity and light. She was a small woman in stature, but a big personality. She had uncompromising values. Ruth’s top priority was family, work and improving the quality of life for humanity. She was very interested in the rights and welfare of others. Ruth was a woman full of life. She smiled and laughed contagiously. Her sense of humor made her a joy to spend time with. It also helped when times were hard, no matter how difficult things could be Ruth found a way to navigate life while remaining focused on the goal, with hope and determination. At the precious ages of 25-27, God blessed Ruth with a husband, Warance Roe, and two baby boys;; Robert and Stephen Roe. As life goes, while she was expecting one baby, she received two. Ruth loved her sons. These babies, now men, were and are her pride and joy. She often joked “I didn’t know what to do with two babies, so I did what came natural.” And she was a natural at dealing with challenging circumstances. The boys gave her life purpose. In turn, they loved her equally with all their hearts. When asked to name one thing their mother told them to change, transform or inspire their lives, they shared this: Bob said “I was going through a tough time in my life and mom said ‘dad and I won’t be here forever … who will take care of your responsibilities when we’re gone?’ That changed my life.” Steve said, “Mom said, ‘I am so proud of you for becoming the man you are supposed to be.’ That made me feel good, she was proud, and I was doing what she knew I could all along.” Finally after 47 years of marriage Warance was asked “what did you love most about Ruth?” He said “she loved she was selfless, loved people, gave sometimes to the point where it hurt.” He loved her ability to love beyond her own needs and give selflessly without restraint. Ruth was also an active and devoted grandmother. She shared in the rearing of her grandchildren and worked tirelessly to ensure they knew she loved them and were cared for. When not caring fore her family Ruth enjoyed calligraphy, little league baseball and puzzles. She also enjoyed football and was a proud 49er’s fan. Ruth leaves to cherish her memories: husband of forty-seven years, Warance and their sons Stephen and Robert (Trudy) Roe, Michael Speer and Mike (Josie) Fedderson, sisters Penny Taylor, Diane (Louis) Firkus and Susan (Warren) Williams; seven grandchildren Sheyenne, Bobby, Erick, Jake, Nicholas Jasmine and Hailey; and a host of family, friends and colleagues. She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Phyllis Kegley, and mother in law Ruth Ann Erickson Roe. SERVICES Celebration of Life Saturday, November 17, 2018 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Concord Senior Center 2727 Parkside Circle Concord, CA 94519 Get Directions on Google Maps Print Obituary Sign Guest Book Name: Location: Email: Personal Message: Personal Message (required) Required Confirmation: Submit guest book entry
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ruth Ann Roe April 17 1945 October 13 2018.
Death notice for the town of: Concord, state: California