Ruth Valadon Gilb, 91, passed away peacefully in Sierra Madre, CA on October 26, 2017. Ruth was born in Havre, MT on May 31, 1926 to Policena and Joseph Valadon, originally from the Azores Islands, Portugal. She attended Havre High School, and continued her education at the University of Idaho, Moscow, where she met her husband, Charles. Ruth and Charles were married on September 6, 1947 and moved to Pasadena, CA in 1949. They have three children, Denice, Michael and Valerie. In 1960 they moved to Arcadia, CA where they established strong roots.
Ruth became “First Lady” of Arcadia during Charles’ four terms as Mayor. She owned the RVG Collection, a women’s dress boutique in Arcadia. Ruth was also a consummate community volunteer. She was a 40+ year member of Altrusa International of Arcadia, Inc. She also belonged to the St. Rita’s Guild, Arcadia Tournament of Roses, Arcadia Welfare and Thrift Foundation, Arcadia Methodist Hospital Foundation, the Assistance League of Pasadena, and National Charity League, serving as President for many of them.
Ruth and Charles’ proudest achievement was the support and building of the Heritage Museum of Arcadia, which bears their name. Ruth and her husband Charles believed that in preserving and understanding the past it paves the way to a brighter future.
Ruth loved to spend time at Balboa Island with her family. She and Charles travelled the world, enjoying every minute of it.
Ruth is survived by her three children, Denice, Michael (Gayle), and Valerie, two granddaughters, Heather (Dan) Moore and Amy (Brian) Payne and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her Sister-in-Law, Mary Lou Novak of Leawood, KS along with many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 11am at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Sierra Madre. Burial will be on Wednesday November 8, 2017 at Rose Hills.
In lieu of flowers the Gilb family suggests a donation be made to either The Gilb Heritage Museum of Arcadia (380 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007) or Altrusa International, Inc. (One North LaSalle Street, Suite 1955, Chicago, IL 60602).