Ruth Lucille Leth

Ruth Lucille Leth passed away September 20, 2023, in Castro Valley, California, at the age of 100.

She was born to George C. and Anna K. Leth on April 18, 1923, on the family farm south of Buhl, Idaho. She graduated from Buhl High School, and went on to further her education at the College of Idaho, the University of Idaho, and received her Master's degree in nutrition from Cornell University. 

She taught in Tulare, CA, and Honolulu, Hawaii, ending her teaching career at Hayward High School in California.

Her summers were spent visiting family, getting further education and traveling extensively. 

After her retirement, she spent over 5000 hours as a docent at the Oakland Park Zoo.  She and fellow retired teachers spent many hours designing and implementing a curriculum for teaching the children visiting the zoo. 

The highlight of her life was getting to know and working with Jane Goodall, the English primatologist and anthropologist, on her visits to the Oakland Zoo.

She enjoyed her last years living at Baywood Court in Castro Valley with her partner George Hottle.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Leonard of Buhl; sister, Lillian Hyde of Littleton, CO., and nephew, Jan Hyde of Littleton, CO.

She is survived by her very special friend of many years, George Hottle, of Castro Valley, CA.; one niece  and three nephews, Linda (Lonnie) Skogsberg of Nampa, Carl (Gwen) Leth of Boise, Robert Leth of Coeur d' Alene, and James (Rhea) Hyde of Murray, Utah.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Farmer Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave. North, Buhl, Idaho 83316.