Ruth Elizabeth Baar

December 26, 1922-January 8, 2017
Ruth was born the day after Christmas in Suffern, NY to John Holder of Switzerland and Sadye Holder from New York City. Her earliest years were spent in Glen Rock and Patterson, New Jersey. When she was in High School, the family moved to Spring Valley, NY where she graduated in 1941. She then enlisted in the Marines and was stationed at the El Toro base in San Diego. She taught fighter pilots how to use their weapons. While in San Diego she competed in rough water swimming, winning many awards.

After the war she returned to Spring Valley for flying lessons and became the first woman in her home town to solo. She attended business school and worked many secretarial jobs.

One of the loves of her life was her Palomino (named Boy) who she would ride down the street to the farm of her future husband. She married her childhood friend Volkert in 1950. They built a home in the nearby town of Nanuet and raised 3 daughters. She continued working as a secretary and was a school bus driver.

In 1977 Ruth and Volky packed up and moved to Santa Barbara. Ruth began training at Los Banos Pool and competed in the Masters Program for four decades, earning many medals and ribbons. Her relay team swam a world record when she was in her 80s.

She was a member of the Free Methodist Church on the Mesa since 1977 – ministering in many service positions.
She is survived by daughters Cathy, Carol (Jeff) and Susan, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A private family service was held at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.