Carroll, Ruth H., 82, of Orange, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2014. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Carroll; her sister, Pattie Eissler; her four children, Alice Prothero, Don Carroll, Jack Carroll, Elaine Larsh; and 9 grandchildren.

Ruth was born in Orange, California on September 4, 1931 to Iva and Robin Meairs. She grew up in Midway City and attended Huntington Beach High School, where her father was a teacher. Ruth graduated from the University of Redlands with a major in Education and a minor in Religion. Teaching runs in the family; both of her parents, her husband, and two of her children were all educators.

Ruth's love of the outdoors led her to work at Yosemite National Park (where her parents honeymooned in 1922) while attending University of Redlands. While there, Ruth met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Carroll of Fresno. They married in 1953 and after brief stays in Fresno and Texas (Bob was in the Army) they settled in Orange County in 1956.

Ruth's hallmark was her love for her family and friends. After family, Ruth passions were being in the outdoors, her cactus garden, red chile peppers, and her ever-growing watch collection. She loved spontaneous family gatherings at Morenos Mexican Restaurant (El Modena), and her catch-phrase was: "There's always room for ice cream, it fills in the cracks!

The world lost a terrific woman, wonderful wife, mother, gramma, bobba, aunt and loyal friend; however, heaven gained a beautiful soul. She will be forever treasured and remembered by all those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, In Memory of: Ruth Carroll, 230 East Ohio Street, Ste 304, Chicago, IL 60611-3201, http://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tribute/RuthCarroll

Services will be Saturday, Feb 8, 2014 11:00 AM at Shannon-Bryan Mortuary.