Ruth Sharon Kolker's Obituary
Ruth Kolker 78, of Tucson, AZ died peacefully on July 13, 2020 due to complications of ovarian cancer. Ruth was born in Newark, NJ and moved to Tucson in 1968 with her family to begin a new chapter.
Ruth is survived by Ron, her husband of 56 years, daughter Debbie Mastin (Wayne), son Jeff Kolker (Anne), her grandchildren: Max, Samantha, Jacey (Kolker), Carli and Lauren (Mastin), Niece Risa Weich, Paul Weich (Marion) and great nephews Marty and Jake Weich and Nieces Aaryn and Leah Weich.
As an outgoing, curious, and adventurous person she had groups of loved ones expanding in all different sectors of her life. Her family continued to grow as her children Debbie and Jeff married and began starting families of their own. As her daily responsibilities as a doting mother lessened, she opened her heart and skills to those less fortunate. She transitioned from mother to social worker (although not that different for her) at Casa De Los Ninos working with children in need due to difficult home lives. Ruth was able to provide a bright light of hope to those needing it most.
Although her work with similar agencies ended as her family grew, she continued to be a caring mother figure for every single person that came into her life. Her role as Grandmother developed into her full-time job, wrangling Max, Sammy, Carli, Jacey, and Lauren (as well as Great nephews Marty and Jake, Great Nieces Aaryn and Leah). She was a confidant, a friend, a travel companion, and a mentor to everyone of her grandchildren.
Her love of life and travel continued throughout the years. She had the opportunity to see far corners of the world, always with an open mind. She dove into the culture and the lives of all the people she met along the way. She carried the things she saw and learned with her in all walks of her life. Ruth adopted her love of cooking from her mother Lilly, carrying on the legacy her mother left in the kitchen. Her friends and family will miss long calls with her, enjoying anything she created in the kitchen, walking on the beaches of Coronado, visiting new places, seeing plays in New York, and even the lazy days where nothing was done at all.
She was a bright light for all lives she touched, especially her husband Ron. The love they shared was strong enough to create two generations of people with the same love and compassion they both have. The traditions they created together, and the ideals they invoked in their children and grandchildren will never be forgotten and will be carried on for generations to come.
She will be missed greatly and was loved by all who knew her. Due to current health concerns services will be limited to family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her honor be made to Congregation Anshei Israel (Tucson, AZ), National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (ovarian.org) or a charity of your choice.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state, and CDC officials.
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