Ruth passed away peacefully on November 20, 2001 at her home with family and friends by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born at home in Oakland on March 8, 1923. Ruth was the fourth child of five children born to Sigfrid and Jens Thompson. A homemaker for more than 50 years, Ruth was an active volunteer for several different community service organizations.

Ruth is predeceased by her loving husband, Brian Herald, and son Timothy Brian. She is survived by eight of her nine children: Kathleen (Don) O'Dowd of Antioch, Caralee (Ron) Marquardt of Danville, Becky (Brad) Klemm of Guam, Dan (Kim) of Folsom, Mollie Beam of Angels Camp, Shawn (Tasha) of Concord, Darren (Lisa) of Pacheco and Tina (Louis) Carpio of Oakley. She is also survived by her 23 grandchildren, 8 great granchildren and 4 God-children.

You can say your final good-byes to Ruth at the Chapel of the San Ramon Valley, 825 Hartz Way, Danville, CA from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2001 with a Vigil Service at 4 p.m. Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 26, at St. Isidore's Church, 440 La Gonda Way near El Cerro, Danville.

Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. Donations to Hospice of Contra Costa, 2051 Harrison St., Concord, CA 94510.