Art lover and supporter, stalwart volunteer, great-grandmother

Nancy Barrett Ringle died January 12, 2018 in Claremont at the age of 98. 

She was born in Santa Rosa, California on April 28, 1919. She graduated from Pomona College in 1941 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Over the years, she and her husband Robert (Bob) Ringle lived in Pasadena, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Claremont’s Mt. San Antonio Gardens.

Ms. Ringle was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts. She was involved with the Pomona College Museum of Art and served on the board of the Southwest Museum.

A music lover as well, she supported the LA Philharmonic Orchestra and other performance ensembles for decades.

Her life’s work was in volunteerism, and she served with distinction on the national board of the American Cancer Society. Later, along with her husband, she worked diligently for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, specifically with the Portuguese Bend National Horse Show benefit.

In 1972, Ms. Ringle joined the Pomona College Board of Trustees, chairing the student affairs committee, planning trustee-faculty retreats, and serving as a member of the buildings and grounds committee.

“Nancy was a lively, high-spirited presence, beloved by legions of friends,” said longtime friend and Pomona colleague, Don Pattison.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) Ringle.

She is survived by her daughter, Sallie Ringle; son, Stephen B. Ringle (Louise); five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

A memorial program is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 18 in the Seaver House, Pomona College, 305 N. College Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.