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Ruth C. Skonovd
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A funeral service was held Monday at Allen Mortuary in Turlock for Ruth Christine Johnson Skonovd, 89, of Hughson. She died April 15, 2009 at Emanuel Hospital in Turlock following a brief illness.

Burial was at Turlock Memorial Park.

Born June 1919 in Modesto to Norweigen immigrants Abraham and Anna Johnson, Ruth had an older brother Arthur and a younger brother, Stanley. She grew up on a large grain ranch east of Modesto, and attended the two-room Roberts Ferry Grammar School. After graduating from Oakdale High School Ruth graduated from Modesto Junior College in 1939 and attended San Jose State College. Her college career was cut short due to health problems. She married Norman Skonovd on July 14, 1946. She purchased a farm on Monte Vista Avenue and eventually planted it with almonds and grapes. Her first son, Vern, was born in 1949 and her second, Brian, in 1953. Ruth was very active in the Barmont Club, a social organization in the Montpellier area. She was very active in the parents' organizations at the Denair Unified Schools, serving as room mother and in fundraising. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years at the Beulah Covenant Church and later at Monte Vista Chapel. After Norman, died in 1994 she continued to oversee the operation of the ranch. In 2007 Mrs. Skonovd moved to Samaritan Village in Hughson where she attended chapel services at Samaritan Village every Sunday. Mrs. Skonovd delighted in family gatherings and took a strong interest in her children's and grandchildren's lives. The birth of a great-granddaughter, Hannah, three years ago, and great-grandson, Jackson earlier this year, added joy to her life.

She leaves her two sons, Vern Skonovd and Brian Skonovd; four grandchildren, Matthew Skonovd, Michael Skonovd, Kristian Skonovd and Erik Skonovd; two great-grandchildren and two close decades-long friends Isabel Schmidt and Mabel Cree and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Stanley Johnson and Arthur Johnson.

Remembrances may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or online at www.dav.org.

Friends are invited to share memories or express condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier /April 22, 2009