CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Ruth Marie Gaul died on Nov. 7, 2023, at her home in Clearlake. She was 80 years old.

She was born Ruth Potter on July 9, 1943, in Los Angeles, and grew up in Southern California.

Ruth attended Paramount High School in Paramount, California, and later Artesia High School in Lakewood, graduating in 1961.

It was while she was attending Paramount High School that she met her future husband, Fred Gaul.

They married on Feb. 25, 1961, in Artesia, California, after Fred returned from serving in the Merchant Marines.

Fred and Ruth lived in Southern California until 1969, when they moved their four young children to the Bay Area, living first in San Pablo and later Richmond.

Ruth worked in retail at Kmart Corp. from February 1979 to October 1997 in roles including sales manager and receiving manager.

She began studying Spanish at Contra Costa College in 1997.

She was a member of Clinton Avenue Baptist Church for many years, before moving to Lake County, California.

In 1988, Ruth and Fred bought a home in Clearlake Park, California. Later, after retiring, they moved to Clearlake, California, in 2000.

Ruth was a volunteer for many years with the Clearlake Police Department from September 2000 to December 2004, and again from March 2012 to January 2017. She also was a volunteer at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office from January 2004 to March 2012.

While working for those law enforcement agencies, she was a critical lifeline for seniors through the “You Are Not Alone” program, in which she made daily calls to check on program participants.

After 10 years of living with Parkinson's disease, Fred passed away on Sept. 9, 2018, at age 78, after 57 years of marriage with Ruth.

Ruth is survived by her four children, Randy (Stella) of Mesa, Arizona, Danny (Kim) of Milo, Iowa, Mike (Danielle) of Sandy, Oregon, and their only daughter, Cheryl (Gary) of San Francisco. She also is survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends.

She also leaves behind her beloved cats, Emma, Mommie, Sammy, Susie, Paddy and Minnie.

“Life deals you many things,” she wrote. “It is how you come through on the other side that counts. What you cannot go around you must go through.”

At her request, there will be no services.

Her family is seeking homes for her many kitties. If you are willing to give one or two a home, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ruth’s family and friends hold fast to the belief that Ruth is home with the Lord in time for Christmas, a holiday she loved.