Mamie “Ruth” Norman OBITUARY

Mamie “Ruth” Norman OBITUARY

Mamie “Ruth” Norman passed away in the morning of December 1 in her home in Los Gatos, California with the love of her life and husband of 66 years, David Norman, by her side. In 1957, Ruth met David Norman, a Navy fighter pilot, in the Bay Area, beginning a 66-year marriage founded on a love-at-first-sight romance. They settled in California where they raised their children, David and Susan.

Born in Oklahoma as one of four children, Ruth’s early years were shaped by the Dust Bowl era as her family moved between Oklahoma and the working farms of California. She carried these roots with her throughout her life, sharing her history through a love of country music and her signature Southern cooking, especially her cornbread, okra, fried chicken, and chocolate sheet cake. An avid reader, Ruth was a founding member of a book club she enjoyed for decades. She was also the undisputed master of the family card game, Pitch, and a formidable opponent to anyone brave enough to take her on in Boggle.

Ruth had the kindest of hearts and a gentle and calming presence. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she was known for her generosity and for never having a negative word to say about anyone. Ruth modeled the importance of educationand hard work in all she did. She graduated from San Jose State University while raising a young family. She started her own business, Norman Travel Agency. Ruth founded the Norman Family Foundation providing mentorship beginning in middle school and funded the college education of more than 20 students from Oklahoma. The Foundation continues to fund local charities and has also endowed an engineering scholarship at the University of Minnesota that to date has benefited more than 50 scholars.

Ruth is survived by her husband, David Arthur Norman; children, David Gregory Norman (Andrea), and Susan Lee Norman (Mike Rigoli); grandchildren Robert Zander Norman (Eve) and Olivia Snow Norman; great granddaughter Rita Snow Norman; and Ruth’s namesake, great granddaughter Ruth Lee Snow Norman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Riley Center (part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco). At the family’s request, no services will be held.