Birth date: Dec 4, 1934 Death date: May 8, 2018
.Ruth M. Killpack, Ph.D. Ruth Marie DeVault Killpack, Ph.D., 83, our beloved friend, companion, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on May 8, 2018 after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Sh Read Obituary
What an impressive lady...I cannot express how much she has helped me and so many others to become the strong women we are today. Her example is one each of us should embrace. Ruth and Rita have always been willing to share their love with those in need and I know without their help my family would not be the strong caring people they today.
Rita, my heart aches for your loss and I pray that you will find peace in knowing the difference you both have made in the lives of many.
Your friend,
Melonie Monson
I have such fond memories of my Aunt Ruthie. Mostly, I remember her laughing and always having a big smile. I loved our time at the cabin, the snow ball fights, the family reunions and homemade ice cream. She baby sat us for a week once when my parents were out of town and I remember how loving she was when I was having a hard time missing my mom and dad. During that week, she didn't just have 3 more kids to contend with but she was in the middle of remodeling the house! My mom always talked about how much she loved Ruth and felt like a little mommy to her since she was ten years older. They had quite a bond. I really only had my Aunt Ruthie in my life when I was very young, and then after Uncle Hal died she and the kids moved to Utah. As and adult now, I can't even imagine how difficult that must have been, but she was an amazing, independent, strong women. I loved her....and after all these years I can still remember her voice and see that big smile. I'm certain she and my mom, Helen, are tap dancing together in heaven.
I met Ruth during Thanksgiving 1981. I was a college student far from home and her son Scott invited me over for food and fun. Ruth introduced me to tortilla chips & salsa (Pace picante sauce with fresh peppers & onions added). Mexican restaurants weren't around back then. "Try this, you'll like it," she said. She was as nice and welcoming as she could be. Whenever I purchased Pace picante sauce over the next 37 years, I thought of Ruth every single time. It's the little things about a person you never forget, those small kindnesses.
~JW
Ruth,
I remember the day I met you because it changed my life. I was sitting on a metal folding chair in a nursing inservice that I wasn't even going to go to. I walked away from your presentation on self esteem and assertion, thinking women can really be like that. The tools you taught me gave me courage,peace and happiness I needed to change my quality of life. You truly cared about assisting people to create a better life for themselves. I will always be so grateful God put you in my life!
My sincere sympathy to family and a big thank you to Rita for the loving care you gave her.
Sincerely Jody Stewart Dustin
I admired my Aunt Ruth all my life. I remember such great times at the family cabin at Mount Lassen, snowmobiling and having snowball fights with my cousins. At the Killpack home in Yuba City, I remember rides on the ride-on lawnmower and playing horseshoes at family reunions. The best part was seeing the love between my mother and Ruth as they chatted and laughed together. When tragedy struck and Hal passed away, my Aunt Ruth gathered her young brood and made a new life in Utah. The strength and resilience she demonstrated was a testament to her character and her faith. She has endured a lot and has given back more. She found a wonderful companion in Rita, who made Ruth's life happy, productive, and meaningful for so many years. I will miss Ruth here on earth. But heaven has another angel now.
To Ruth’s family, Rita and Stephine especially, I am the happy person I am today because of the tools and Love Ruth taught me. Thank you Ruth. I was lucky to meet Ruth and Rita and help them get their home just the way they wanted it. And they helped me get my life just the way I wanted it. I will alway love Ruth just like a sister who alway was there when I needed her. My condolences to you all for your loss. Love Virginia Woods.
Dr. Killpack helped me overcome a major, life-altering phobia many years ago. Thanks to her, I've been able to live my life fully. The world has lost a really special lady.
-Melanie Hall
Ruth was a wonderful caring person. She has helped so many along the way with her kindness, caring heart. She helped me in the time of need when I needed her the most. I have thought of her often since then. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
