Ruth Mervis Obituary

Ruth Mervis (94) of Laguna Woods, CA, formerly of New Castle, PA passed away on Sat Nov 14, 2009 in her home. Daughter of Alex Mervis and Hinda Anna (Friedman) Mervis who came to this county in 1902 from Lithuania [Russia].

Ruth graduated Geneva University with B.A. Summa Cum Laude, received her Masters at Univ Pittsburgh, and studied post-graduate work at UCLA, USC, University of Mexico, and University of Madrid. She taught Spanish & Latin in Weirton WV, before moving to Calif in 1948. where she taught at Compton College CA, and Palos Verdes High School, CA. After retiring Ruth devoted her energy to civic and community affairs, including Temple Judea, where she is honored on two bronze plaques outside the temple doors. She gave many sermons there in the years before they had a Rabbi.

Ruth has received numerous awards for her volunteer service in several organizations including Hadassah, Meals on Wheels, Saddleback College, Irvine College, Duplicate Bridge Club, Heritage Pointe, ARMDI, Jewish National Fund, Jewish Federation of Orange and Rossmore Towers Mutual Fifty. Ruth loved her Jewish faith and civic activities more than anything and she was a leader and strong supporter of many organizations.

Ruth’s Hebrew name is Rivka bat Avrum Eliyahu v'Hinda [Ruth daughter of Avrum and Hinda]. Preceded in death by sisters Sarah Mervis & Rose M. Nathanson and nephew, Sherman Nathanson. She is survived by great nephews David, Geoffrey, Bennett & Joel Nathanson and Cathleen Nathanson, their daughter Emma, Jody Nathanson, brother Maurice Mervis, his wife Claire, their son Alex Mervis, their daughters Linda Levin, Elieen Cohn, & husband Robert Cohn. Heartfelt thanks and condolences to Margarita Lozano, Ruth's long time friend and assistant.

Graveside service 11-18-2009 at Pacific View cemetery Corona del Mar, CA. Cedar view section 28D. N 33º 36.633' W 117º 51.287' All friends and family are invited to lunch and a memorial service at the Rossmore Towers of Laguna Woods, CA at 1:15pm Wed November 18, 2009.

written by David Nathanson
November 2009