Was born of Gustav and Anna (Gianotti) Guggenheim, Swiss immigrants, on March 21, 1924 in Emory Georgia, and died at home May 7, 2013. She is survived by her brother Gus Guggenheim, sister Joan Hodges, children Bret, Mark and Barbara, as well as several grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Ruth’s husband Burt passed away in 2011.
Ruth and Burt met just before he went overseas with the Army during WWII, and were married almost immediately upon his return. They lived in Alabama, where their sons were born, and then in New York. Ruth and Burt began their long and varied career of life and service overseas when Burt joined the Voice of America and was assigned to Munich, where Barbara was born. They were subsequently posted by the United States Information Service to Teheran, Washington D.C, Helsinki, Lahore and Seoul, finally retiring to Hope Ranch in 1972. Ruth was always ready to learn about and become involved in the culture in each of their host countries. In Iran, she collected antiquities and learned to cook Persian food, which she continued to prepare for her family for decades afterwards. In Finland she took up weaving and befriended the Marimekko designers. Ruth had a great creative flair and freely expressed herself in many artistic forms.
While stationed in Korea, Ruth and Barbara went to a retreat in a remote mountainous area, because it, “sounded interesting”. While there she had a dramatic conversion experience, and subsequently became an enthusiastic charismatic Christian. Ruth was a tireless prayer warrior and loved to share her faith with others. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her hospitality, generosity and joy.
Ruth and Burt were early members of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara, where her memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15, reception following. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local organization serving the poor or disabled, in memory of Ruth.
