Grief is the price we pay for love.
- Queen Elizabeth II
Obituary
Ruth Ann Patzman
30 January, 1940 – 15 March, 20205
Ruth Ann Patzman (nee Lubbers) passed peacefully, surrounded by her family. Born in Owatonna, Minnesota, to Earl and Anna Lubbers, she leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John; children Mark Patzman (Darren Pike), Anna Umstadter (Karl), and Gwynne Rolla (Phillip); grandchildren Sofia, Dominic, Natalie, and Amelia; and her brother Earl R. Lubbers.
Words by which friends and family describe Ruthie include: fun, kind, pistol, smart, intense, sweet, generous, sassy, hilarious, forgiving, tough, classy, prickly, laughter, devoted, and loving.
Ruth's early childhood was spent in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Her Tucson journey began in 1951 when the family moved in search of a warmer climate. She attended Sam Hughes Elementary and formed friendships that endured for over 70 years. Ruth started high school at Tucson High in 1954, a time when THS was the largest high school in the nation with 6,800 students in split sessions. When it opened in 1957, Ruth was among the pioneering students who transitioned to Catalina High School, where she lettered in tennis and cheer. She graduated with Catalina’s second class in June 1958.
Ruthie enrolled at the University of Arizona, where she became a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and embraced her identity as a proud Wildcat. Her time at the university was marked by the formation of additional lifelong friendships that lasted until her final days. She graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
In her junior year, Ruth was set up on a date with John Patzman, who was in Tucson on Christmas Break from his studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. This memorable meeting was orchestrated by John's mother, Kate, a Pi Phi alumna. Their connection was undeniable, leading to marriage shortly after graduation. Following marriage, Ruth accompanied John to Fort Benning, Georgia, and later Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as an Army Infantry Officer. It was at Fort Hood that they welcomed their son, Mark. John left active duty in 1964 and they returned to Tucson where Ruthie dedicated herself to teaching Fifth Grade at Cragin Elementary School while John pursued his MBA degree. In 1966, upon John's graduation, he joined the family business, Patzman Insurance, and they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Anna. The family received more joy with the addition of Gwynne in 1969.
Ruth was active in the Junior League in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1970s, Ruth went back to school and earned her master's degree. During a summer abroad in 1961, Ruth was captivated by Japanese culture where she lived with a local family in Nagano. This background and passion for Asian cultures was a focus of her master’s work and led her to work as the Outreach Coordinator for the (then named) Oriental Studies Department at the University of Arizona. In this role, she developed an innovative grant project that partnered with Tucson elementary school teachers to enhance World Civilization lessons. For two weeks, specially developed semi-vans would visit a school, each van divided into two distinct environments. Coupled with interactive sessions led by active UofA students from these regions, the two vans helped local teachers expose students to Asian cultures in China, Japan, India, and the Middle East. Ruth’s commitment to expanding understanding of Asian cultures was recognized in 1978 when she was selected as one of about 25 US educators to tour China (this before the US formally established diplomatic relations in 1979). She cherished the experience and loved telling stories of that trip, especially about how she was something not commonly seen there at that time…a tall, blonde woman…which gave her an appreciation of how life felt as an outsider. In 1983, her book “Early Japan” was published, which provided elementary teachers “a self-directed study that places the student within the ancient Japanese culture.”
In the 1980s, Ruth embarked on a second career as a property owner and landlord. Ruth and her partner bought, renovated, and managed several rentals in the University/Sam Hughes neighborhoods.
A jock at heart, Ruth loved playing tennis, golf, and skiing, and she was an avid fan of the Arizona Wildcats, especially basketball.
In the 2000s Ruth added the title of “Grandma”, probably one of her most prized. She adored her grandkids and loved doing activities with them. About Ruthie, they noted that she was always engaged, always having new things for them to learn and experience.
In 2010, while visiting family in San Jose, Ruth had an accident that caused a serious neck break and ultimately led to a slow journey with progressive dementia. In 2018, Ruth and John moved to Carlsbad, California to be closer to family but she always thought of Tucson as her home.
Ruth was the epitome of a fierce “mama bear” and her life was a testament to unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community. She touched many lives with her kindness, warmth, and dedication. She will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to know, love, and be loved by her.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. The family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in lieu of flowers.
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She was about two years older than me. When we were kids her family lived in Northfield. I always looked up to her. I LOVED getting her hand-me-down outfits! But then she grew taller, and I didn’t!
The last time we met was a number of years ago at Boyum reunion in southern Minnesota at the church our great grandfather founded. When we were chatting, she recalledgiving me a haircut when I was a toddler. I said I didn’t remember. She said, “ I do!” Apparently my mother was not pleased with the result!
When I think of Ruthie, I smile; remembering her warmth, intelligence, wit, and humor. She was always so gracious and welcoming whenever her Minnesota relatives showed up!
My condolences to John, Mark, Anna, and Gwynne and families…..and to her many friends! The world is a duller place without her.
Ruth lived life to the fullest. She was kind, funny, and loved her family and friends like no other. She had a true passion for life! I was blessed to meet Gwynne at CAL and soon had the pleasure of getting to know her wonderful family.
I have so many fond memories with the Patzman family. Some of the happiest times for me included Fleet Week in San Francisco, adventures in Mexico, visits to San Diego and Tucson, and so much more!
Ruth took us girls on an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas for Gwynne’s 30th birthday. I still tell people about my first experience at a spa. I wasn’t sure what to wear—until Ruth dropped her clothes and jumped into the jacuzzi. That’s when I realized I didn’t need my bathing suit!
Ruth taught me the importance of being happy with myself and to cherish every moment. We will miss you, Ruthie, and praying for your family to find peace.
We will miss you Ruth.
Phillip Rolla
Thinking of you and holding you and everyone close in my heart. ❤️
I know it's hard for you all to say goodbye, but she's in a better place and resting which is the end goal. God Speed
My other favorite memory of Ruthie is her love of the University of Arizona Wildcats, which ran counter to my love of my UCLA Bruins. I had the pleasure of attending a Wildcat-Bruin game at Pauley Pavillion one year, and we got in each other faces the whole time, as any proper rivals would! Thankfully the Bruins prevailed, but I've never had so much fun mixing it up with a fellow college basketball fan.
I'll think of these moments and always smile - she was an absolute ray of light! Bear down!
You and your beautiful smile will be missed Ruthie. May God bring peace to the Patzman family and may her sun shine over her family for ever.
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