Obituaries

On December 7, 2020, Charles Wesley Ruth passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90. He was born in Sapulpa, OK on January 30, 1930. He moved to the East Bay Area with his parents and brother at the age of five, and was a resident of Fremont, CA since 1955. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Racheal Ruth, who he married in 1949. He is survived by his children: James Ruth, John Ruth, Charlene McCowan, and David Ruth and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Charles graduated from Hayward High in 1948 and spent his career at the Owens-Illinois Glass Factory in Oakland, CA from his teenage years until an early retirement in 1988. He was the second of three generations working at the glass factory: his father before him and son, James Ruth, after him. Owens-Illinois provided him with the opportunity to become a world traveler setting up training programs at glass factories in Venezuela, Italy, and (most notably) a 3-year assignment in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Charles and Rachael were faithful founding members of the Church of the Nazarene in Fremont where they made many friends and found opportunities to serve their community. In his spare time, Charles also enjoyed golf and spent many of his retirement years playing, as well as, marshaling at Chabot Golf Course in Oakland.

Charles was a model of gentleness, kindness, honesty, compassion, hard work, commitment, and consistency to all. His enduring influence will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and he will be missed.

A private burial service will be held at Irvington Memorial Cemetery in Fremont, CA.