Great-grandmother, philanthropist, volunteer

“Ruth Abel was a woman of vibrant energy — social, outgoing, philanthropically-minded and kind-hearted,” her family shared. “She was dedicated to her family and community with love and leadership.”

Having graduated from Denison University, where she majored in citizenship, Ruth served in a diverse number of nonprofit and for profit organizations throughout her life.

Her commitment to culture, particularly to the arts and to community service, were the cornerstone of her involvement as a board member of the Leonis Adobe Museum for more than 30 years, as well as various leadership roles for the League of Women Voters, The Junior League of Los Angeles and The Old Treasures Club.

As a graduate of the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in Business Administration, she brought professional precision to her role at Jim McDonald, Inc, a design firm for furniture manufacturers and retail showrooms. There she blended her sharp business mind with a profound love for the decorative arts, design and home furnishings. Using this love of the arts, she became a color consultant as part of her role at Network 21, where she also applied her expertise and adaptability to this independent marketing and training organization.

“Ruth’s leadership was never just about titles; it was about making life better for those around her,” her family said. “For example, in her late years, when moving to Mt. San Antonio Gardens she served as chairman of the Gardens’ gift shop committee. Through Ruth’s efforts, the shop became a greater resource and a core social hub for the residents which continues on.

Her dedication to a better world and her strong faith were evident in her leadership on the board of the Southern California Conference of the United Church of Christ and her work with APECA, promoting education and conservation in the Amazon.

“From her roots in Bronxville, New York, to her decades of impact in Los Angeles, Ruth proved that one person truly can make a difference through active involvement and a dedicated heart,” her family said.

She is survived by her children Tom (Christy), Gwen (Robert), and Peri; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

In honor of Ruth’s final years and her spirit of community care, her family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Mt. San Antonio Gardens Homeship Fund at msagardens.org/giving.