Ruth Metcalf

On Friday, January 27th, 2023, Ruth Elaine Metcalf passed away peacefully at the age of 88. She was born on August 24th,1934 in Wyoming Township, Kent County, Michigan.

Though Ruth was born and raised in Michigan, she later moved to California where she lived the majority of her life. She raised her children, Vicki and Tim in Lakewood CA. Then lived in the beautiful Canyon Lake community for the past 28 years with her daughter, Vicki; son-in-law, Bill; granddaughter, Carli; and her late husband, Harvey Metcalf.

In her early adult life, Ruth worked at a few different stores in Michigan and California, but later worked as a realtor in the Long Beach area for more than five years. She also served as a leader in the Boy Scouts where her son Tim was a member. After that, she worked at a company that did home restoration; this is where she met her late husband, Harvey Metcalf.

During early retirement, Ruth was on the road traveling the U.S. in her camper and fifth wheel with her husband, Harvey (and was sometimes joined by her daughter, Vicki, and granddaughter, Carli). Many of her weekends were also spent watching her grandchildren.

She was a talented crafter, painter, and gardener (who could bring back plants that her family nearly killed). It should also be mentioned that she should have won an international award for being able to get any stain out of white laundry. She always did her best to create a nice home for her family, provide support when needed, and be a good mom, wife, and grandmother.

Whenever possible, Ruth loved going to her favorite restaurants, Richies and IHOP. She also loved hearing exciting news about her grandchildren and was always eager to boast about them.

Ruth is survived by her two children, Vicki (Bill) Fowler and Tim (Marla) McCombs; seven grandchildren, Chris (Lisa) and Carli (Arash) Fowler, Scott (Tara), Steven, Nicholas, Sean, and Brooke McCombs; and three great grandchildren, Haylee Fowler, Dominic and Luca McCombs.  She also had several loyal friends: the late Judy Weaver, Mark Weaver, Luisa Zuccola (who was so kind to always check in on her and bring her library books), Joyce Horton (always calling her when she could), and the wonderful Michelle Hawthorne (who provided much appreciated help, companionship, and support).

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Metcalf; first husband, Gerald McCombs; her most beloved older brother, Douglas Cornell, and sister-in-law, Audrey Cornell; older sister, Lois Donahue; older brother, Roger Cornell; mother, Geneva (Van Putten) Cornell; and father, Floyd Cornell.

Ruth will be missed by her close friends and family, especially her son, Tim and daughter, Vicki. Vicki will always regard her as: “my mother, my special friend.” Our memories with her will always be cherished.