Ruth Marie Steiner Larson

Date of Death: August 23, 2012

Passed away on August 23, 2012, at 76 years of age,
at home in Berkeley, CA with her husband and family and caregivers, after a long and difficult illness with Parkinson’s Disease, and having received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by Fr. Bruno Gibson, OP.

Surviving are her husband Ronald, and her children Christopher, Peter and Hans, her Brother Harris Steiner, her daughters-in-law: Mary, Jennifer, and Anessa, her beloved grandchildren Katharine, Eric and Soren, Alexandra Ruth (in utero), and her nieces Laura Durbahn of Kerman, CA, Cynthia Ganz of Seattle, Elise Winter of Loomis, CA., nephew Carl Steiner of San Diego, and grand nieces and grand nephews. Ruth will be greatly missed by her dear friends: sorority sister and fellow teacher Celia Gunn Ginnado of Arlington Heights, Ill., Sra. Imelda Espiritu of Berkeley, and Christina Ahengua of Richmond. And also her classmates and friends from The Sigma Kappa sorority at UC Berkeley, and her classmates from Kerman HS., the parishioners and teachers at School of the Madeleine, and at St. Mary’s College HS.

A proud native of California, she was born at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno. She graduated from Kerman HS with honors, Cheerleader, Girls Athletic Assn. and Tennis Team letters, International Quill and Scroll Society for Journalism, and a California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Member. The daughter of Thelma Harris Steiner, a California school teacher, and Rene Steiner, a Kerman raisin grower and RFD mailman. Ruth was a member of the The Order of Rainbow for Girls, and a California Raisin Queen. She was a 5-year 4H Achievement Award winner.

Following her brother Harris’s example, Ruth matriculated at UC Berkeley in 1953 and joined the Sigma Kappa sorority. Walking to class one day in her first year, she met her husband-to-be, and they began an odyssey for life. Ruth as: teacher, then through the active years of raising her boys, as an interior designer and her designs include offices and living areas for the Christian Brothers – De La Salle Institute Winery (her leaded glass door panels bearing the CB seal are still in use at the Sutter Home Winery in St. Helena, CA.) For nearly six years she was national sale representative for her partnership in the Abundance Winery in Sonoma. In the latter role she was thrilled to encounter a former member of her son’s class at the Madeleine – he was a competitor salesman at a dealer in Chicago. He afterward joked of losing that sale, as it was unfair to have to compete against “a Mom with all that charm.”

Meantime, she completed her studies at UC, graduating BA as an UC Alumni Scholar in the same ceremony with Ron gaining his JD. Now all of the Larsons were Cal Bears.

Ruth was active in the School of the Madeleine at their family parish: re-founding the Bridge Club, leading the Cub’s Scouts, and singing in Father Larry’s choir. The boys went on to the St. Mary’s College High School where she helped the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Eunice Jackson and other mothers, found the Belles of St. Mary’s as a scholarship organization for the school. She didn’t know “slow.” She spent her days and nights teaching, counseling, feeding and loving her family, gardening, playing the piano at midnite home sessions, dancing at the Parish parties, traveling with Ron, skiing with the boys, and as a member of the Art Deco Society of San Francisco.

Always a lady: raised by her Convent trained mother, she was initiated in 1953, by her new friend on Milvia Street, Pat Sager, to wear gloves and scarf and hat and take lunch at the City of Paris. A propriety she must have been one of the last to relinquish. But she wore her scarves and gloves until the day she died.

All Services will be at the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church 2005 Berryman Street
Berkeley, California 94709 (510-526-4811 ) as follows:
Thursday, September 6th at 7PM – The Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary; Friday, September 7th at 10:30AM – Mass – followed immediately by reception and refreshments in Norton Hall (directly under the Church — entry from the parking lot). Private interment services are pending.

SUNSET VIEW MORTUARY
Tel. (510) 525-5111

Ruth Marie Steiner Larson Passed away on August 23, 2012, at 76 years of age, at home in Berkeley, CA with her husband and family and caregivers, after a long and difficult illness with Parkinson’s Disease, and having received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by Fr. Bruno Gibson, OP. Surviving are her husbandContinue Reading

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So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one. I too have experienced that deep pain of loss. So, I look for ways to comfort others. I hope that you may find comfort in Job 14:14,15, which assures us that Almighty God has not only the power, but the desire to resurrect our dear loved ones. Sincerely, Jill

Ron and family - I was so very sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was always so kind, the epitome of what it means to be a true lady. Her light in the world will be sorely missed.

Dear Ron and Family, We send our deep sympathy and prayers to all of you in your very deep loss. Ruth was a lovely woman in so many ways. She will be missed by many. We pray that the love of family and friends will comfort you in this very difficult time. Love, Sarah and Tom

We send you our deepest and sincere condolence. May the Almighty God clear all the tears in your eyes and be with you and your family through all these. God be with you. Our sympathy.

Ron and Family My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. It was such a gift to have known her.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I shall miss knowing Ruth is walking this earth. Such a loving, compassionate and beautiful woman who was there for me during my brother's illness and a wonderful friend all round. I was priveleged to know her.My prayers go with Ron and with your family. With love, Kate Stewart

Ron, Chris, Peter, Hans and Family ~ I know there are no words that can possibly ease your grief but take comfort in your memories of her and knowing that she is now at peace with the Lord. Ruth was an accomplished talented wife and mother whom I always admired. I know she will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. With love & sympathy, Desi

I am saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. Kate just passed it on to me. She was a class act for sure and her friendship to our brother, John, will always be remembered and appreciated.

I will miss you my friend.

I will always remember you as a very warm, classy, and loving woman and mother. You lent me my first ski outfit when I did not have the proper attire. You were always someone I strived to emulate. Your light was strong.

Dearest Ron & Family, Our thoughts are with you. Ruth was a loving, beautiful woman we were proud to call our friend. We mourn her passing. Love, Suzy & Bennett

I send sincerest sympathy and condolences to both the Larson and Steiner families. Ruth Marie Larson was intelligent, artistic, delightful, resourceful, athletic, as well as a gorgeous womam. Ruth was a super mom, a devoted wife, a fantastic friend, and a fellow CAL Bear who loved our BSL&W Big Game parties. I fondly remember our yearly time together together in Carmel while catching up on our lives, our children, and our mutual friends, intersperced with just a bit of gossip! I will eternally thank Ruth for appearing, unannouned, with her overnight bag,at my front door on the night of June 20, 1994, within an hour of my husband's death. Amid hugs and tears, she announced, "I am here as long as you need me." Thank you, Ruth; I love you and shall forever remember your love and offer of kindness to Kathy and Maryanne.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.