Lasting Memories

Ruth Yamawaki
Sept. 7, 1955-Oct. 24, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Ruth Yamawaki passed away peacefully on October 24 after a five-year battle with cancer. Missing her are her cherished children, Naomi and Simon, and siblings Lynn, Paul, Kent, and Doug – as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, friends, and long-time Palo Alto neighbors.

Raised with her siblings in a tight-knit Japanese community in Alameda, California, her family fondly remembers playing sports and camping together as children.

A series of ear infections left Ruth with complete conductive loss by the time she was five. At that time, hearing aid technology was still developing, and she spent much of her youth ensconced in the world of books. Her natural curiosity and commitment to schoolwork earned her a spot and many scholarships at UC Berkeley, where she studied bacteriology. Through significant advances in hearing aid technology, she remained an avid reader throughout her lifetime.

Ruth was an accomplished electron microscopist. She began her career at SRI and spent decades working at various labs at Stanford, authoring and supporting dozens of published papers and proud to contribute to scientific research and advancement. Initially drawn to the work for its rigor and routine, Ruth, ever-evolving, treasured opportunities to learn and share new techniques.

At one with nature, Ruth nurtured houseplants and communed with trees, especially ancient redwoods, with whom she could have long conversations. Animals loved Ruth, and she was a reliable pet sitter for many friends and family – so reliable that a short-term stint caring for a cockatiel, Chirp, became permanent. Experimenting with worm composting, Ruth became focused on the needs and preferences of the worms and fed them only their favorite leftovers.

Ruth was a connoisseur of ice cream, chocolate, and all baked goods, and she consistently updated her scientific ranking of San Francisco’s best croissants. Visiting Ruth always entailed a trip to all newly opened confection shops and new menu items at the California Avenue farmer’s market. Even more than eating them, she loved to bake and share cookies with anyone she could. During her 14-year tenure as a resident fellow in a dorm on Stanford’s campus, Ruth connected with countless undergraduates, nurturing them in many ways, including through weekly cookie study breaks. Many say her cookies are the best they’ve ever had.

She delighted in trying new things and was determined and adventurous. Once, a non-stop flight from the East Coast was rescheduled to include a six-hour layover in Chicago – rather than roll her eyes at a setback, she embraced the opportunity to explore a new city on her own. Hair loss from chemotherapy resulted in opportunities for pink wigs and henna designs on her bare head. The end of one treatment involved a dance party at a mountain cabin, showing her kids what she had learned in her disco classes in the ‘70s.

Ruth radiated joy and was full of life and laughter. We will forever cherish memories of her bravery, warmth, and kindness.

From Jo Ann Kushner-Grimm
Oct. 27, 2024

When I first met Ruth on the eve of Naomi’s and our son Philipp's wedding in June of 2022, we hugged instinctively, as if we’d always known each other..Ruth had such a loving, welcoming aura. She spoke that evening about what an adorable baby Naomi had been, and what a joy it was to raise her…I realized we were kindred spirits, in our joy of parenting and the values we had imparted to our children. Sadly, due to distance and the progression of her illness, it was to be our only time together. I will always remember her looking so beautiful, with her long thick hair, and glowing with happiness at the wedding celebrations. And every time I see Naomi and Simon, it will be impossible not to see their awesome mother. Ruth will be alive in our hearts and our family always. JoAnn and Erich Grimm

From Lynne Boyle
Oct. 26, 2024

I only knew Ruth a short time, but her natural zest for exploring people and places made it seem like a lifetime. She stayed at my house with my friend Nadia, and true to the memories of Naomi & Simon, charged out to get tickets to the Washington Monument. What a fun day. She will always be remembered and missed for her light.

From Nadia Tibari
Oct. 26, 2024

I will always remember Ruth Yamawaki. I met her in Washington, DC for few days last year. She had a lot of energy and had a beautiful smile that brought light in her face. During her visit to DC, Ruth wanted to visit the National Monument and could make it happen for us during a bright and sunny beautiful day of November. My condolences to her Children, Naomi and Simon, the whole family and friends. Nadia Tibari