Obituary: Ruth Concannon, 98

The following is an obituary submitted by Karen Meyer.

RUTH CONCANNON, 1924-2023

Ruth was the first daughter born to parents Walter Riley Collins and Dora Collins on October 1, 1924, in Banty, Oklahoma. She had one older brother named Marvin and a younger sister named Coreen.

Her father was killed when Ruth was just four years old in 1929, leaving Dora a widow during the Depression years to three toddlers. To make a living, Dora would take 6-year-old Marvin with her and they would pull cotton all day. She left 4-year-old Ruth in charge of her little sister Coreen 1 year old. It was a tough life, but the children were very close.

When she was about 12, they moved to Hawthorne Nevada to start a new life. There Ruth amused Coreen by playing the ukelele while Coreen danced. Simple things made them happy. When she was just 15 she was the one and only cheerleader for her high school. She was also a budding track star. After track practice, she worked at the local theater as an usher and got to watch all the movies before any of her friends.

When she was about 17, her older brother Marvin was on his way to join the war effort. His car, full of his friends was stranded on the train tracks and all perished. This was a sad day for Ruth. She decided to move to San Francisco, where she went to Heald's Business College to train as a secretary and work for Mattson Navigation to help the war effort. In addition to that work, she volunteered to sell war bonds and as a Red Cross Nurse. Her favorite job was working at the Stage Door Canteen. All the girls working there are called Eileen. They are not allowed to tell the soldiers their real name. Her job on Wednesday nights was to introduce the movie stars and dance with the Soldiers.

She met Michael Francis Concannon in 1945 at Christmas and fell head over heels in love. By July 20, 1946, they were married. Their marriage lasted 60 years and they enjoyed traveling and playing golf together. They had 4 children: Michael, Garry, Karen, and Kelleen.

Over the years, Ruth was involved with organizations promoting women and well-being like, the PEO Organization, chapter Danville, CA, and Alamo Women's Club, She was a volunteer at the Danville Thrift Station for years and was an active member of the Castlewood Country Club Past President's Club for many years where she still holds the record of 8 holes in one. Her most remembered experience was as the "Angel Lady" of the Bay Area. She would enlist the help of the Castlewood Women's Club to organize toy drives and round up enough toys to provide Christmas presents for thousands over the years working hand in hand with STAND, Shepherd's Gate, and other well-known charities.

On August 25, 2023, she left us to join our father in Heaven just two months short of her 99th birthday. She was always there for people. She was always available to listen. She loved her life and her friends. We will all miss her greatly.

Learn more about Ruth's life in this video.

UPCOMING SERVICE:

Sep. 16, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
St. Isidores Catholic Church
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If you would like to submit an obituary or life announcement, email Michael.wittner@patch.com.