Memories of Ruth Elizabeth Chang

In memory of

Ruth Elizabeth Chang

Los Angeles, CA, USA

1940 - January 16, 2021

1940 - Jan 16, 2021

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Mary Kaczor

I am thinking fondly today of Aunt Ruth and all of our wonderful memories. She was always up for a fun adventure. She was a good listener and buoyed me as a mother. I am holding her in my heart today and feeling her presence ❤️

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KIM Ramsey

Shared a heart

Chris Bickel

I remember the support Ruth gave me as a teacher, the sex ed classes, but most of all we always laughed that 2 girls from Kansas ended up at HKIS working together. Loved her smile.

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Karen and Dennis Wetjen

I was a teacher at HKIS when Ruth was there as counselor. She was so friendly, always had a smile, always interested in what was happening with you, always had time to listen. She knew and cared about students and teachers. She was a blessing to me, my students, and our school. Well done, Ruth!

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

She was indeed always interested in how your day was going and would take the time out to listen to whatever... Read more She was indeed always interested in how your day was going and would take the time out to listen to whatever you had to say. Thank... Read more She was indeed always interested in how your day was... Read more

Karen and Dennis Wetjen

Hong Kong International School - Lower Primary, South Bay Close, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong

Evelyn Chaveriat, Ruth Chang, Chris Bickel

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Ellen Orsa

Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you for sharing this photo! 💜 Thank you for sharing this photo! 💜 Thank you for sharing this photo! 💜

Beth and David Hoeppner

2002, Hong Kong

My story about Ruth is not associated with HKIS, although that how we met. We had a friend coming to visit us in Hong Kong who was allergic to cats and we had a fiesty cat named Socks. Ruth agreed to keep our cat while our friend was staying with us. When my husband and I went to get the cat from Ruth, the cat didn't want to leave. It just keep running away every time Ruth or Dave came near. It took over an hour for them to catch that cat, all the while the 3 of us laughing and getting more and more frustrated because that cat was so fiesty. When we were ready to leave Hong Kong at the end of 2003, Ruth refused to adopt our cat!! One weeks stay was enough!

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Karen and Dennis Wetjen

Comments:

Christina Chang

Ha! I don’t believe I ever knew this story. I can imagine mom running around that apartment in HK and I can... Read more Ha! I don’t believe I ever knew this story. I can imagine mom running around that apartment in HK and I can hear her laughing.... Read more Ha! I don’t believe I ever knew this story. I can imagine... Read more

Charlene Schneiter

Shared a heart

Kay Lambert

Ruth had a big personality wrapped in love! She filled the room with her vibrant presence, no matter if it were the classroom, a dinner gathering or a cocktail party! She loved the holidays! She would get all dressed up, often passing out goodies to celebrate! I loved Ruth's honesty and wisdom she shared, whether I asked for it or not :) Ruth loved everything about Disney. Her goal was to work at Disney and low and behold, she made it happen. She gave us a tour in Florida, the last time we were together. Oh how I treasure my memories with her and am so very thankful our paths crossed in Hong Kong and Florida! - Kay Lambert

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Hi, Kay! Thank you for your kind remembrances! She was indeed so vibrant and loved the holidays! And loved... Read more Hi, Kay! Thank you for your kind remembrances! She was indeed so vibrant and loved the holidays! And loved having company, so ... Read more Hi, Kay! Thank you for your kind remembrances! She ... Read more

Jeanne-ming Brantingham

Ruth brushed over my life in both Taipei and HongKong with big dabs of joy. We became closer when she moved to HongKong, both being HK transplants from Taiwan. My daughter Leigh was enrolled at HKIS and Ruth was her counselor. We often would meet for coffee or lunch and just gab about Taipei stuff and people we missed. She will be missed.

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you, Jeanne. I’m so glad your paths crossed in HK as well, and that you both spent time together. How... Read more Thank you, Jeanne. I’m so glad your paths crossed in HK as well, and that you both spent time together. How lovely that your daughter... Read more Thank you, Jeanne. I’m so glad your paths crossed in... Read more

Bud and Nancy Boston

I learned from the virtual memorial service just how many people shared our love for Ruth. The memorial was so well done and I loved hearing the stories from both family and friends. Thanks!

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In response to "What did you learn from Ruth?"

Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you so much for attending, it was wonderful to have all of her friends from across the globe come together... Read more Thank you so much for attending, it was wonderful to have all of her friends from across the globe come together to share and ... Read more Thank you so much for attending, it was wonderful to... Read more

Ellen Orsa

Today was the day of Ruth's memorial via Zoom and since I am filled with thoughts of her it seems like a perfect time to share some memories. I knew Ruth the last 3 years of her life as her private care giver and companion. Ruth was not just my work, she was my friend, my buddy. Despite being robbed of most speech by the time we met, we still shared lots of laughter and wonderful times. I could tell she wasn't someone who let life circumstances get her down. Even in her condition, she brought smiles and joy to those around her with her deeply caring eyes, (the prettiest blue eyes) and attentive gaze when sharing stories and conversation. Later when I found out one of her catch phrases was, "it is what it is," it made perfect sense because it matched the person I spent the majority of my week with. I will always remember the joy in her eyes when looking at a Christmas tree, how happy she was to see her family, who were her world, and how she looked at me when I shared some of my own life with her. And that woman could flirt, let me tell you, even without the gift of gab anymore, those eyes, those eyes! She was beautiful, she was strong and she was kind. And despite her circumstances, I know she knew how loved she was by her family and circle of friends throughout her life.

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you so much for everything, Ellen. Mom's last years were made richer because of your tender care. You... Read more Thank you so much for everything, Ellen. Mom's last years were made richer because of your tender care. You know how we feel :)... Read more Thank you so much for everything, Ellen. Mom's last... Read more

Mary Jo Buckingham, Ph.D.

My condolences to Ruth’s family... She was kind and generous to me as a new specialist and new expatriate when I arrived at TAS, Fall 1980.

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you, Mary Jo. Thank you, Mary Jo. Thank you, Mary Jo.

Jan (& Carl) Afman

I hardly know where to start - you were our Taiwan neighbors and ‘family’. Your mom was my co-worker and good friend. We had such good times with all of you. She was thoughtful, caring, generous, determined, and went out of her way to help others. And what a sense of humor! She wasn’t afraid to be a bit ‘crazy’. We stayed in touch until she developed dementia. I’m so glad that she was able to be with you and your family, Christina. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jose.

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Jan, I sent you a private message. Please contact me so that I may send you the details for the memorial,... Read more Jan, I sent you a private message. Please contact me so that I may send you the details for the memorial, which is tomorrow. Jan, I sent you a private message. Please contact me... Read more

Arlene Lang

Christina and Jose
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom took me under her wing when we arrived in Taiwan and was a wonderful friend. She was a truly elegant lady!
Arlene

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Arlene, I just sent you a message. Please contact me so that I can send you details for the memorial, taking... Read more Arlene, I just sent you a message. Please contact me so that I can send you details for the memorial, taking place tomorrow March... Read more Arlene, I just sent you a message. Please contact me... Read more

Laura Cipriano

I knew Ruth as an elementary school colleague in Taipei, and as the mother of her children, Christina and Jose, who were both students in the school music program. I remember Ruth as a person of great caring and personal warmth. Interacting with Ruth gave me the feeling of being bathed in sunlight. With Ruth's passing, I extend heartfelt condolences to Christina, Jose, and family.

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you for your kind words, Laura. Thank you for your kind words, Laura. Thank you for your kind words, Laura.

Bud and Nancy Boston

In memory of our sweet friend and sorority sister. We had a lot of fun double dating at Emporia State and enjoyed her Christmas card every year.

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you, Nancy. Thank you, Nancy. Thank you, Nancy.

LAURI CONNER

Shared a heart

Christina Chang

LAURI CONNER

My favorite memory of Ruth was during a road trip to Seattle. I can still hear her voice saying, “Oh, Christina” or “Oh, Lauri.” She was one of a kind! I have never met a more open and welcoming spirit than Ruth, and her ability to pull people in, no matter who you were, made so many of us feel seen. It is an honor to have known her.

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thanks, my friend. Love you. Thanks, my friend. Love you. Thanks, my friend. Love you.

Ingrid Wong

Mrs. Chang was always so kind-hearted. I first met her (and Jose, her son) in Hong Kong in 1990-91. I remember distinctly one afternoon when she consoled me after a disturbing bus incident and she helped me feel safe again - I was 16. She had a way with words. She had a wonderful smile and a distinctive laugh. I am very saddened by the news of her passing. My deepest condolences to Jose, Christina and her family.
Warm regards, Ingrid

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

Thank you, Ingrid. I'm so glad she was able to support you during that time. Thank you, Ingrid. I'm so glad she was able to support you during that time. Thank you, Ingrid. I'm so glad she was able to support... Read more

Jose Chang

I won't forget it, you scared me when I opened the door! It was my bday dinner I believe, Thanks for sharing!... Read more I won't forget it, you scared me when I opened the door! It was my bday dinner I believe, Thanks for sharing! I won't forget it, you scared me when I opened the ... Read more

Janey Zimmerman

Ruth loved life, always ready for a good laugh and delighted in bringing a smile to children's faces. She also was methodical and kept her "Kansas common sense." As her colleague in counseling, we almost weekly faced challenges from children or their parents or their teachers. As good counselors, we empathized, felt the pain, encouraged them to work toward solutions etcetera. My own worry buttons would sometimes get set off, but thank the Lord, Ruth was there to teach me! I can still hear her say, "Oh, Jane. Sit down. You've done enough. It'll be better by tomorrow. Just wait and see."
And, many days at lunchtime, she'd say, "Sit. Have lunch with me."
Those years, I'd respond, "Thanks, but no. I've got a 'lunchbunch' with kids." But, this past August, time gave me the gift of finally learning to say "Yes Ruth. I'll have lunch with you--every Tuesday." And we did!! It was with video chat set up by Christina and put into motion every Tuesday by Ruth's loyal caregiver, Ellen. Thank you, Ruth. I miss you.

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In response to "What did you learn from Ruth?"

Jose Chang

Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

We love you, Janey. Thank you. We love you, Janey. Thank you. We love you, Janey. Thank you.

Dale Hunter

SORRY TO LEARN OF RUTH PASSING AWAY. SHE WAS A CLOSE FRIEND
IN COLLEGE AND WE SHARED LOTS OF FUN AND LAUGHTER TOGETHER. MAY SHE NOW REST IN PEACE!!

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Jose Chang

Christina Chang

Comments:

Jose Chang

Thanks for sharing! Thanks for sharing! Thanks for sharing!

Heather Rickerby (Perano)

I was so sad to learn of Ruth’s passing. My deepest condolences to all her family. Jane Z has kept me up to date on Ruth over these last few years so I know how challenging life had become for dear Ruth. I worked with Ruth in the HKIS Student Service team. Ruth was a fun, gracious lady who always had the best interests of children and staff in her heart. As a team we never knew what Ruth would appeared dressed like when there were any celebrations. At Halloween she had this mat she would put at the entrance to her office - the noise this thing gave us use to send us batty - many a time we threatened to hide it - but that was part of Ruth’s sense of humour. I was lucky to spend time with her in Orlando when she was a greeter at Disneyland - what a fun time we had going to all the parks and acting like kids on the rides. That was Ruth. Sleep peacefully Ruth - one special lady so fondly remembered.❤️

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Christina Chang

Comments:

Christina Chang

That darn mat! And you nailed it, she was a kid at heart. Thank you for your words, Heather. That darn mat! And you nailed it, she was a kid at heart. Thank you for your words, Heather. That darn mat! And you nailed it, she was a kid at ... Read more

Jose Chang

Yes! That fearless sense of adventure kept her young at heart! Thanks for your memory! Yes! That fearless sense of adventure kept her young at heart! Thanks for your memory! Yes! That fearless sense of adventure kept her young... Read more

Rob Bregman

Shared a heart

Mary Jane Elliott

Hong Kong International School

Ruth was fascinated with our NOODLE project in Preschool, so she volunteered Jose to do a cooking demo for the class. He arrived well prepared and entertained us as he created a wok filled with stir-fried noodles. Everyone loved them. As he was leaving one boy shouted, "You are the best noodle maker in the world." Tears filled Ruth's eyes. Although Jose was weak, he joined her in bringing joy to the children. What an amazing couple; always caring for others.

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Jose Chang

Christina Chang

Comments:

Jose Chang

I have a great photo of this afternoon; she did get him to do a couple of things for the kids at school throughout... Read more I have a great photo of this afternoon; she did get him to do a couple of things for the kids at school throughout her time at... Read more I have a great photo of this afternoon; she did get... Read more

Christina Chang

Yes, we have a photo of that exact day in October. They both liked to have a good time. Thank you for the... Read more Yes, we have a photo of that exact day in October. They both liked to have a good time. Thank you for the share. Yes, we have a photo of that exact day in October. ... Read more

Janet Roth

Christina and Jose, My memories of Ruth are many. Beginning in the the1950’s in Neodesha, our friendship grew in the college years at Emporia and each year beyond as we enjoyed each other as adults. She was a faithful and fun friend--outgoing, pleasant, good natured, with a vibrant personality. When I was our college sorority president, I chose Ruth for two of the most challenging positions, house manager and homecoming decorations chairman because she was dependable, creative, organized, and would get the job done. She did so in a grand manner.
She always remembered us at our birthdays and at Christmas. Through the years, we rendezvoused for several days annually at our home, at the Evans on the Fourth, at Disney where she worked after retirement, class reunions, and on our annual trips with the Fab Four in KC, Chicago, Branson, Boulder, Lake of the Ozarks. On these trips, we enjoyed plays, movies, shopping, talking, eating, laughing, eating, and more laughing. Although she tried to get us to visit her in Hong Kong or Taipei, I am sorry that we did not. Ruth loved and enjoyed life in an adventurous style. She made sure that you as children were well educated in the United States culture as well as the Asian where you lived. Each summer she brought you back to the states and sometimes drove you all over to see the national parks and other important sites. When you were young, we spent happy times at Worlds of Fun with you and your mother and Evans. Ruth could have spent the whole time riding the roller coasters. When you became college age, you chose to be Jayhawks. We have good memories of those times with you and your mother including your graduation parties.
Thank goodness for the memories. We miss Ruth very much.
We send our deepest sympathy, Janet and Stan Roth

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Jose Chang

Christina Chang

Janet Roth

Comments:

Jose Chang

The Fab Four!! So important to stay connected to your friends from the past. Thanks for you memory! The Fab Four!! So important to stay connected to your friends from the past. Thanks for you memory! The Fab Four!! So important to stay connected to your... Read more

Christina Chang

Thanks, Janet. You girls were dear friends for almost all of your lives. What a special gift. Thank you for... Read more Thanks, Janet. You girls were dear friends for almost all of your lives. What a special gift. Thank you for sharing. Thanks, Janet. You girls were dear friends for almost... Read more