Ruth's grandparents were pioneers who traveled across the Oregon Trail from Missouri in covered wagons in 1855. Her parents settled in Los Angeles near grandmother McMillan's orange groves in Covina. Her mother was a wonderful homemaker and her father did construction work in Griffith Park and was a carpenter for the movie studios.

Ruth was born in 1932 and her life was one lived in service to the people she loved. She was the youngest and longest living of five siblings. There was plenty of excitement in that busy house on Montclair Street. Ruth would be at the center of it helping her mother and supporting her three brothers with clean, ironed shirts for their workdays.

Times were hard and money in short supply during World War II. Ruth was enterprising even in her youth. She and her sister went door-to-door collecting metal hangers "for the war effort" and then salvaged the metal for grocery money.

Her love of flowers was set for life when she visited her Uncle McMillan's backyard glass conservatory of orchids and flowering plants. Her siblings played ball while she wondered at the beauty of the flowers her uncle introduced to her.

In high school Ruth babysat, taught Sunday School, and worked for the phone company. While working for a bank, she met her husband and one true love, John Gliever. They were married for 60 years.

Ruth started her flourishing career as a florist with an adult education class in flower arranging. She won many awards and competitions for her floral arrangements.

She started working at the Flower Pot in 1968 and several other floral shops before starting her own business in 1973. She worked for another 30 years, as long as her back was strong enough to do deliveries. Hundreds of brides' weddings were enhanced by Ruth's creations.

One of her admirable traits was her ability to get along with almost everyone.  Ruth genuinely cared about others. She had a calming influence on people and used her skills to assist with finding a common ground. Many people said she was the kindest person they knew. She added beauty and joy everywhere she went.

Ruth loved animals. She was the pied piper of cats, squirrels, and birds in her neighborhood. Some neighbors complained that their cats liked Ruth more than themselves. It couldn't be helped – Ruth always had the best treats for everyone!

Ruth had two children, Chris and Cathy.  She is survived by her loving daughter Cathy and her husband Sid, adoring grandchildren, sweet great grandchildren, nieces and nephews who treasure their time with her, and many friends and caretakers who remember her fondly.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 2nd, starting at 1pm, Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, in the All Saints Chapel, 22333 Christo Rey Drive, Los Altos, California, 94024.