Ruth E. Flory, long time resident of Red Bluff, died peacefully in her sleep on December 18, 2020, she was 94 years young. Ruth was born to Elwood and Estelle Varney in Oakland, CA on April 4, 1926. As a young girl, Ruth and her family moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin. The family moved back to California in 1941 with her parents and 3 additional siblings, where they settled in Red Bluff. Ruth graduated from Red Bluff High School in 1942.


As a teenager, while living on Johnson Street, Ruth helped her parents in the family's small dairy in their garage. Ruth would have to milk the cows in the dark, prior to going to school and then come home and go door to door selling the milk and cream. To this date she did not drink cow's milk. Ruth also worked at the State Theatre as a hostess/usher and said she was always in the spotlight as she had to light the way for everyone to their seats. Upon graduation she worked as a telegrapher for the Southern Pacific Railroad at Red Bluff Depot Station and Gerber Depot Station where she would hold up and out by hand to give to the train engineers their working orders while the train was moving. She said it was hard to keep her hair in place near the moving trains. Ruth retired in 1988 from the State of California Dept. of Water Resources where she was a secretary. Since her retirement, Ruth has traveled extensively cruising to Alaska, Mexico, and up the Mississippi River several times. She also made numerous trips with friends, and grandchildren. Since her daughter's retirement in 2012, Ruth, Johnelle and her husband Hal, have traveled in their RV and have done a lot of camping with the Red Bluff Elk's RV Committee and with Moose RV friends. Fun times had by all, especially at the 4:30 cocktail hour and hours- de voures.


Ruth belonged to many organizations, Tehama County Cattlewomen, Red Hats, TOPS, Bunco and Beta Sigma Phi, where she was a member in a local chapter, Alpha Delta Master. Ruth had many, many friends and she loved them all, especially her wine drinking buddy and neighbor Linda P. Our mom was known for her HUGS, so for all of Ruth's friends out there, a big Hug is going your way via her family with love and thanking you for knowing and loving this amazing woman.


Ruth was predeceased in death by her first husband John W. Davis and her second husband Les Flory, the love of life, her son John W. Davis Jr., grandsons Brian Davis and Morgan Davis. She is survived by her by her beloved children and grandchildren, daughter Johnelle Davis (Hal) Begbie of Red Bluff and Gary (Edie) Davis of Cottonwood, grandchildren Cindy Begbie (Debbie Klein) of Shasta, Ca, Brett (Cheri) Begbie of Benicia, CA. Donna Begbie Shelnutt of Clovis, CA., Toni Davis (David) Schultzman of Maryville, Tennennesse, Lindsey Davis of Hamilton, Montana and 8 great grandchildren.


Due to the Coronavirus, a Celebration of life Memorial will be held when it is safe to do so, hopefully in the spring or early summer. In lieu of cards or flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or to P.E.T.S.. (Providing Essentials for Tehama Shelter), PO Box 1174, Red Bluff, CA 96080 or Deserving Pets in care of Valley Veterinary. 420 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff, CA 96080. Ruth would thank you for the thoughtful donation to the animals.


Mom, remember to take your hands out of your pockets. love you mom, J