Jessica Zimmer

Ruth’s niece 

My aunt Ruth has always been a guiding force in my life, offering ideas and encouragement. In addition, she has been a model for me professionally. I remember watching her share news with all her listeners, thoughtfully, clearly, and with a sense of humor. She is one of the reasons I became a news journalist. 

One of my fondest memories of Ruth is watching her garden outside. I usually helped, taking directions. She directed, figuring out what flowers should go where. She always made her garden beautiful. 

I often remember going with Ruth on walks in Santa Monica. We walked to Main Street, the Pier, and sometimes elsewhere, like the Third Street Promenade. It was so nice to see her in her element. She knew all the shops, many of the people who worked in them, and how to enjoy everything. 

Ruth always tried to give me an understanding of how far she had come, from an apartment in the Bronx all the way to a job and a house by the sea on the other side of the country. From growing up with Grandma Sylvia to growing a radio news station that influenced so many students, artists, and listeners. 

Ruth shared information about our family history. She filled in the gaps about what I knew about my grandmother’s journey to the U.S. She told me stories about my mother Ann and explained the ties between many of my cousins. Ruth took me places, like numerous art museums, ballets, and musical performances. She made sure we had a connection and that I learned from her.

I just want to say thank you to Ruth, for all of what she taught me. She needed to have a lot of patience to deal with me. Even though what she was trying to teach often took years, she kept at it until I understood much more about life. I am glad she has been part of mine.