Ruth Evadora Howard went to sing in the presence of Jesus, June 22, 2023. Ruth was born on Sept. 28, 1937 in Nevada City, CA to Walter and Eva Jensen. She attended Bell Hill, Hennessey, and Nevada Union High School.
Ruth was an essential part of Bank of America Grass Valley for many years, working in the downtown Grass Valley branch, then the trailer in Glenbrook, and finally the big BofA on Church Street.
Ruth was very active in local Musical Theatre beginning when she was in high school where she was the star of HMS Pinafore. She met Will Howard while performing in Oklahoma on stage at the Nevada City Theatre, and they soon married and continued in many other musical productions. Ruth and Will also enjoyed square dancing together, boating with their Land & Sea Craft, as well as traveling with The Good Sam Club.
Ruth attended the First Baptist Church of Grass Valley. Whether it was cleaning the pews, singing at Convalescent homes, or studying the Bible with her friends, Ruth delighted in serving the Lord. Ruth was also on the Board of Directors and Chairman of Father’s Mercy Outreach where she sponsored Kenyan boys from grade school to trade school.
Ruth belonged to many enjoyable groups which included her sewing circle, as well as “Women Who Lived Alone,” and monthly luncheons with the Nevada Union High School Class of 55.
Ruth is predeceased by husband, Willard Edwin Howard; her parents, Walter and Eva Jensen, and her sister, Joyce Winstead.
Ruth is survived by her children: Joyce (Luke) Faler of Idaho, Diane Fish of Nebraska, and Ronald Bryant Jr., of Grass Valley, CA.; her grandchildren: Shiloh (Troy) Coe of Maryland, Abraham (Natalynn) of Nebraska; Hannah Fish of Missouri; and Bethany Fish of Georgia. Her great-grandkids: Adam, Asher, Caspian, Vivienne, Theodore; and Brock, Fenrir, Bruin, Jade. She is also survived by her niece, Lisa Winstead of Colfax; nephews Keith (Debie) Winstead of Roseville, and Wayne (Angela) Winstead of Mather; as well as their children and grandchildren.
Ruth is also survived by her stepchildren: Barry Howard of Malibu, and Penny Brookins of Arizona as well their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ruth’s family would like to thank the Pastors, Deacons, and congregation of First Baptist Church for their kindness, love, and support given to Ruth during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, Ruth would love for any donations to be given to the First Baptist Church mortgage fund, 1866 Ridge Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945; or to Father’s Mercy Outreach, 105 Colfax Ave East, Grass Valley, CA 95945.
(Ruth did not desire a funeral or memorial and the family is abiding by her wishes).
