Ruth Craig

Ruth Margret Craig née Deffenbaugh passed peacefully on September 27, 2021. She was the last of her generation.

Born in Bennett Valley to Edward and Hilda Deffenbaugh on May 14, 1923, she was eldest of four sisters, Mary Baker, Naomi Baylis, Priscilla Rose and a half brother Dan Deffenbaugh.

She married Paul E. Craig, together they served as missionaries to Japan where Paul and his brother Steve were born. In 1955 they returned to live in Sonoma where she taught at Prestwood ES and later moved to the LA area for a better teaching opportunity. After Paul’s death she moved back to Sonoma to be nearer to her family.

Beloved Mother of 6, Mother-in-Law, Timothy Craig & Judith Vaughn, Lois & Jack Chambers, Philip & Sally Craig, Stephen & Kathi Craig, Thomas & Rola Craig, Peter Craig. Grandmother of 10, Great-Grandmother of 12.  All knew that they were each her favorite.

Ruth had a passion for learning and education, she studied at SRJC then earned her BA in Education and Music and a teaching credential at SF State University. Later while teaching and raising her family she earned an MA as a Reading Specialist from Cal State Fullerton. Long after retirement as a teacher she continued to tutor and mentor students in Sonoma. Many saw her riding her tricycle well into her 90’s, doing errands, attending Bible studies and classes at Vintage House and visiting her friends and students.

Ruth was an active listener with all that she met.  She chronicled her life and those of her progeny, the family activities on her Facebook page and in missives she shared with all on a regular basis.

Ruth will be missed by all who knew her. She was intelligent, humorous, giving and caring; an exemplar.  The memorial service will be held in late spring.

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