Elizabeth Frances Ruskauff

December 3, 1925 - March 8, 2017

Betty Ruskauff, the eldest daughter to Cristiano and Marie Lucas Ruiz, was born at home on Figueroa Street and lived in Santa Barbara her entire life. She attended local schools and graduated from Catholic High (now Bishop Garcia Diego) and did a year at Santa Barbara State College on the Riviera. Betty was first married to George Ruskauff, II, and had four children before being widowed. Later, she married Russell, George's brother, and had two more children. She loved having a big family. Our Mom started working at an early age as an usher in local theaters and then as a sales clerk at Hunts Department Store and Ott's Hardware. She had always wanted to be a teacher and one might say she was truly doing this job as she lovingly raised 6 children, but in her next position at Santa Barbara High School, she had a chance to work with and guide high school students.As an Attendance Secretary and the Clerk in the textbook room, she helped many students graduate by having them earn necessary credits as her assistants. Many times we would hear from her former students about how "Miss B." helped them stay in school and how they saw her as another Mom. Mom was loved by everyone and always had time for people. We frequently had extra young people at the dinner table and living at our home as they needed time and space to get settled. She was the perfect mother for many. After Mom retired, she enjoyed travelling around the U.S. with her husband and family. Also, celebrating holidays and special occasions with family and friends was a frequent occurrence in our parents' happy home. The way Mom lived was a great example of how to have a happy and successful life. She was full of laughter, stories, and songs. This is the legacy she left for us. Betty is survived by her son George Ruskauff (Diane), grandsons Max and Rex Ruskauff, daughter Lisa Kuehn (Scott), granddaughter Kaitlyn Kuehn, son Rex Ruskauff (Lois), grandchildren Todd and Carli Ruskauff, son Kevin Ruskauff, granddaughter Melissa Ruskauff, and daughter Kelley Ball (Jerry), and grandchildren Kelsey Eck (Charles), Alyssa Spanier (Jeff), Hannah and Jarrison Ball. Also, she has many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins living throughout CA. Our family would like to thank Ana Mesa, and all the good people at Assisted Hospice Care and Home Care Assistance for their loving support. A graveside service will be Saturday, March 25th at 10:30 at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Catholic Charities, 609 E. Haley St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103.