Ruth R. Berry

February 8, 1926 - August 4, 2018

Ruth Rosalie Berry, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on August 4, 2018, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 92 years old. Ruth was born to Alois and Marie Strehle on February 8, 1926 in Pasadena, California, where she was raised alongside her brother and sister, Arthur Strehle and Helen Macrory. In her youth, Ruth married Clifford W. Berry, with whom she spent more than 40 years in Santa Barbara County, raising their children and running the family business, C.W. Berry Construction, for which Ruth was the bookkeeper. Upon retiring, they travelled the country in their condor motorhome, frequently visiting Montana and Oregon, where they passed the days fishing and canning preserves. Clifford passed away in 1988. Ruth was a devout and compassionate person, who for many years worked with the Church of the Open Bible in Santa Barbara to serve others in the community. She was also an exceptional cook, always ready to prepare meals for large church functions and family gatherings. Whether she was living in Montecito or in Santa Barbara, family and friends could count on her for a delicious meal, cooking advice, and household and laundry tips. At home, she was the master of her domain. No one could get their laundry whiter than Ruth Berry. Ruth loved cats, dogs, knitting and needle point, but what she loved most of all was her family. Throughout her life, her doors remained open to relatives, and she could always be counted on to be there when people needed help the most. Her dearest friend was Jessie “Totsy” Best. Jessie was Ruth’s confidante, advisor and travelling companion. One of the highlights of Ruth’s life was when she and Totsy travelled to Egypt. For the last eight years, Ruth lived in Ventura, California, so she could be closer to her family, but she always considered Santa Barbara to be her true home. In her final hours, along with visiting family, Ruth also felt especially blessed to have Totsy by her side. Ruth is survived by her children Sandra Sutton (Payson, AZ), Barbara Ledbetter, Troy Berry (Reno, NV), Mary Iniestra (Ventura, CA), Michael Berry (Reno, NV), 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. Service will be held at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 at 1:00pm August 17th, 2018. We can never repay Ruth Berry for all that she has given to her family and friends, but we will carry her memory in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to The Braille Institute. Viewing Welch-Ryce-Haider - 15 E. Sola St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 8/16, 2018 from 4:00pm-8:00pm Celebration of Life to follow service at the Bonaventure Senior Living 10949 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93004