Ruth Terribilini - NAPA

On July 29, 2008, Ruth Josephine Terribilini, born May 11, 1926, left this earth peacefully surrounded by loving family at the age of 82 in Napa. Ruth was born in Robinson, Kan., to Pete and Josephine Magers. Ruth had three brothers: Gerald (Santa Rosa), Max (now deceased) and William (Mesa, Ariz.).

Ruth’s story is not unlike many of her generation that went through the Great Depression, World War II and the rebuilding of the country. Their experiences and sacrifices afforded the next generation (and those to follow) the benefits of a prosperous and free society. The dust bowl of the 1930s drove the Magers family to migrate from the Kansas farm to northern California in 1936, where they settled and established the family dairy business.

Ruth attended Healdsburg High School. She met Clarence Terribilini in the early 1940s. After Clarence returned from serving in the U.S. Navy as a radar operator in the Pacific theater, they were married in March of 1946. Her sons, Ed and Casey, were born in 1949 and 1956. Ruth was a stay-at-home mom who supported her husband, kept house, and raised their sons. She was involved in the PTA, community projects and all school activities for their boys.

Ruth loved music, especially musicals. We fondly remember Mom playing the Sound of Music, South Pacific and Flower Drum Song on the old 33 1/3 vinyls in the afternoons while doing housework. Later, she joined Sweet Adeline’s, where she enjoyed camaraderie and performing. After her boys left home, she worked for a local physical therapist, providing patients with care and compassion. Ruth had a shared passion for travel with her beloved younger brother, William (Bill). They had many trips and adventures together, and we are especially thankful that Uncle Bill, a seasoned world traveler, became her tour guide. Ruth had an indomitable sprit that people recognized and appreciated. Her fortitude, inner strength and humor during times of discomfort and uncertainty is an example to us all.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 62 years, Clarence; her two sons, Ed and his wife Bonnie, and Casey and his wife Sandy; brothers Gerald and his wife Val, and William; grandchildren Marc, Ryan, Sean, Sarah and her husband Chad; nieces Geraldine and Loralee and her husband Gary Grutkowski; and many nieces and nephews from the Terribilini side of the family.

We love and will miss you, as wife, mother, sister, grandparent and aunt. We know you will continue to watch over us as you always have.

 The family is grateful for all the caring and supportive friends and neighbors who have helped and assisted Clarence and Ruth for years, especially in the past few weeks. Ruth’s caregiver, Monica Bei, provided 24-hour care for our beloved mother Ruth until her time of passing. We appreciate her compassion and unwavering dedication to making our mother comfortable at all times.

Napa Valley Hospice is a resource that is invaluable to the community and helped make Ruth’s transition into the next life seamless. Their compassion and sensitivity to family members during this period is a testament to the service they provided and continue to provide.

A private memorial and celebration of life will be Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Copia: the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, 500 First St., Napa, CA 94559, for family, neighbors and friends.

 Laugh often friends/Tho passing years bring/Sometimes smiles and sometimes tears/For mirth forever/Warms and cheers — John McLeod