Ruth F. O' Neil

 Memorial of Ruth Frances O’Neil, 89 Years Young

A patch-work quilt with odd defining squares of eagle-like observation, quick wit, discipline, courage under fire, humbleness, recognition and appreciation of little things, creative practicality balanced with adventure, ballroom dancing, caricature drawing, sewing, and tough love--strangely missing cooking skills, tenderness and vulnerability. She accepted life on its terms, and made lemonade out of lemons.
Voted most likely to succeed in high school, she succeeded in overcoming multiple hardships, raising 3 self-sufficient daughters on her own, and sponsoring a multitude of alcoholics trying to recover. An avid reader, she often found strength through books and poems, like this favorite:


Wild Geese - by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting—
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

Survived and remembered by her daughters Gail Unell (and husband Jim Unell), Jacklyn O’Neil and Kathryn O’Neil-Capps; 4 grandchildren: Amber Rivera, Morgan Capps, James J. Unell and Jessica Unell; and 2 great grandchildren: Jasmine Rivera and Alexander Rivera.
Up, up and away in your beloved little plane…our hearts go with you!

Her family will hold a private, ocean-front ceremony to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers and a public celebration, we ask that Ruth’s impact be recognized and furthered through donations to 1 of 2 causes that saved and enriched her life: addiction recovery and animal welfare.
1. Caron Foundation
By mail:
Caron
243 North Galen Hall RD
Wernersville, PA 19565
attn: Development
or online at:
www.caron.org/Donate
Select “This is a gift in honor or memory of”, and enter “Ruth O’Neil”.

2. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
By mail:
Best Friends Animal Society
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab UT 84741
attn: Jonna W.
or online at:
https://secure.bestfriends.org/page/contribute/memory
Tribute name: Ruth O’Neil (All other information is optional)