Obituary of Ruth Anne Hinds

Ruth Anne Miles Hinds, 89, passed away at home 15 November 2023, 2 months short of her 90th birthday.  Ruth was the oldest of 3 children born in Miami, Florida to Arthur James and Elma Ruth Thomas Miles.  Her father was a self-educated contractor who built public buildings across southern Florida; her mother, Elma, taught school with a teaching certificate from the University of Miami.
Ruth Anne met her husband of 67 years, Jack, in junior high, their first date was a Thanksgiving night football game in 1946.  Ruth was 12, Jack was 13, they rode the city bus to the game.
Ruth’s father said one of them had to finish college before they could get married so Ruth graduated from Florida State in 3 years with her teaching credential.  They married in 1954 with Ruth teaching until Jack graduated in 1956.
For 12 years they moved with Jack’s work, traveling and raising a family, living in Florida, up-state New York, Georgia, off to Greece with opportunities to explore Middle Eastern and European countries, ending in northern California. 
In 1968 Jack and Ruth picked the seaside town of Santa Cruz to move to and stay, building a home, and becoming part of the community.
Once the kids were all in school, Ruth went back too.  Ruth completed her Master’s degree in Education and transitioned from substitute to 12 years of full time teaching in Santa Cruz County.  Ruth and Jack helped grow Twin Lakes Church for 15 years, then supported the establishment of Gateway Bible Church in Scotts Valley.  
Ruth believed deeply in family; she welcomed everyone, extra plates on the table for a meal, invitations to spend the night or enjoy a holiday, into her family and kept them close for years.  Ruth was a seasoned friend, her advice was practical and direct, her expectations high, she was present – listening, helping, doing, and praying.
Ruth leaves her children; Sally Lowery, Drew and Karen Hinds, Dwight Hinds, Terri and David Werdmuller, 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many, many friends who are also family.  Jack died 2 years ago and a son, Douglas in 2013.
A celebration of life for Ruth will be held on Saturday 3 February 2024 at 11am at Gateway Church in Scotts Valley, CA with a reception following.
Donations in memory of Ruth Hinds may be made to: Second Harvest Santa Cruz County @ https://impact.shfb.org/ruthhindsmemory, or Gateway Bible Church, @ https://gatewaybible.org/give/ or mail to 5000 Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley, CA  95066, 95066.