Ruth Van Unen

October 13, 1931 - March 7, 2023

Ruth Van Unen (“Ruth”) of San Francisco, California died of heart failure on March 7, 2023, at the age of ninety-one. She was predeceased by her parents, multiple siblings, former spouse Glenn Miller, and three of her grandchildren. Four children survive Ruth--Susan Miller, Nancy Miller, Glenn (Linda) Miller Junior and Ruth Ellen Miller. Additional descendants include granddaughter Laura Schroder (Markus Heller), grandson David Smith (Jacquelene), and six great grandchildren. Ruth’s memorial service is scheduled on Sunday, April 2 at 2:00 PM at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, California. Plans are in process for an interment service at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

Ruth came from a large family. She was the middle of nine children, born in 1931 in Yuma, Arizona. Her Father Josef immigrated as a child from Holland. His sparkling blue eyes went well with his gift for encouraging laughter. Her Mother Lavada was the primary caregiver for the family, and was generous and resilient.

Ruth sought adventure. She joined the Air Force in 1953 and became a dispatcher. Ruth enjoyed her time in the military and the friends that came with it. One of them was Glenn Miller, a training pilot. They married in 1954 after a brief courtship. They were a handsome and happy couple. Together they had four children over the next five years. In 1956, Ruth and Glenn left the Air Force and moved to Michigan so Glenn could join the family business. They grew apart, then divorced in 1965. Ruth and the children moved to Santa Cruz.

Ruth valued education. After the divorce, she attended Cabrillo College, then Cuesta College, and completed her bachelor’s degree at Sacramento State University in 1979. Her career was spent in social services—as a social worker, substitute teacher, and Veterans Service Officer. Ruth enjoyed helping people, especially in a time of need. Her last position was as the Chief Veteran’s Service Officer in San Luis Obispo County. She retired in 1996 and returned to Sacramento shortly afterward.

Ruth loved many things-her children, reading, politics, her time in the military, and animated conversations. When her children were young, she gave them (us) the freedom to make and learn from our mistakes. Ruth loved to read—for over fifty years, the homes she lived in had multiple overstuffed bookcases. Ruth also believed in public service— among other things, she helped start a hospice in San Luis Obispo County in the 1970’s, served as President of two condominium association boards for a combined 142 years, served on an election board in Sacramento, and volunteered in the Grey Davis gubernatorial campaign.

Ruth’s health declined early in 2020 and family moved her to San Francisco late that year. Since then, she has been warm and welcoming in the face of multiple medical challenges. Ruth developed a gift for weaving joyful stories and for making people smile. She was resilient and brave to the end of her life. By way of closing, and on behalf of Ruth, our gratitude to Jessica, Theresa, Jowell, Courtney, Rosalinda, Evelyn, Madeline, Samantha, Enver, and so many more. Blessings to you and yours—and to Ruth as she travels on. Remember and smile.