Obituaries

Ruth Janet Jones

Died: February 2, 2010

Born 21 August 1920, Aberdeen, Brown County, South Dakota. 8th child and daughter of Arthur Carl Gimbel and Magdalena Anderst. Attended schools in Aberdeen, Brown County, South Dakota. Many years later in 1980 after attending classes she proudly received a high school diploma. Ruth's family gave her a surprise graduation party at her daughter Marilyn Ratcliff's home in Carlsbad, California.
Married 22 November 1937, Maurice Jones at Aberdeen, Brown County, South Dakota.
During early World War II they moved to Carlsbad, San Diego County, California with 3 small children. Their 4th child was born in California.
Ruth actively participated in her children's activities volunteering her services in scouting, church, school functions and the PTA. Several years she was involved in neighborhood canvassing for the March of Dimes. For over twenty years Ruth Janet Jones helped serve in the election polls. She started with the Carlsbad City elections in California and worked her way up in position becoming the Inspector in the National polls. The most remembered election was during the Presidential election between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon when votes had to be counted by hand. She worked along with the other election workers from 7 a.m. the day of the voting until 7 a.m. the following morning with no rest or sleep.
Ruth retired after 20 years of employment in the housekeeping department of the Lutheran Retirement Home (now known as the Front Porch) in Carlsbad; the former Carlsbad Hotel where many movie stars and other celebrities stopped over in route from Hollywood to Mexico.
In the late 1980s Ruth relocated to Arizona where she volunteered many hours for the Lutheran Church near her home. She enjoyed participating in many activities at a nearby recreation center. Ruth resided with her daughter Louise Springsteen for three years prior to being admitted to a nursing home in November of 2008.
Ruth loved her family dearly, an avid reader most of her life, enjoyed crocheting, sewing, gardening in her flower beds. She also enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles, card & board games.
Preceding in death were her husband Maurice Jones; both her parents; step-father Heinrich Adam Ernst who with her mother raised Ruth; 2 brothers and 5 sisters; 3 half-brothers and 4 half-sisters; 2 step-brothers and 7 step-sisters.
Surviving are one half-sister Mrs. Vern (Bette Jean) Sieber, South Dakota; one step-brother Richard Ernst, South Dakota. Four children: daughter Mrs. Carrol (Patricia) Guest, Indiana; daughter Louise Springsteen, Arizona; son Daniel Jones, Arizona; daughter Mrs. Jack (Marilyn) Ratcliff, California. 13 Grandchildren; 24 Great-grandchildren; 3 Great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held 10 February 2010 at 2:30pm at Eternal Hills Cemetery, Oceanside, CA with Pastor Donald L. Louvier officiating.

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