A celebration of life for Ruth Annable Lutz Staford, 80, a one-year resident of Carson City, will be noon Saturday at 7316 Filbert Ave., in Orangevale, Calif.
Mrs. Staford died Jan. 14, 2007, at Evergreen Carson City, after a long battle with multiple-systems atrophy.
She was born Jan. 15, 1926, in Oradell, N.J., to Gustave and Elizabeth Frederick Lutz.
She married Jack Jones Staford on July 8, 1951, in Guttenberg, N.J.
Before coming to Carson City, she lived in many U.S. states, Canada, the Dominican Republic, for 34 years in Sacramento and in Statesville, N.C.
She was raised in Weehawkin, N.J., and graduated from Weehawkin High School in 1943.
During World War II she worked deciphering coded communications for Lloyds of London at the British Communications Office in New York City. In 1946, she became a stewardess for Modern Air Transport. She earned her certificate in medical transcription in 1969 and worked for the Sacramento Medical Clinic until 1989. She was self-employed until her retirement in 1996. She was also a partner in a consignment store called The Classy Attic, which she opened in 1983.
She enjoyed cooking, entertaining and laughter.
She was preceded in death by her husband; and sisters Grecian Krogbin and Elizabeth Schuepp.
Among her survivors are her daughters Ann Dankworth of Carson City and Leslie Belcher of Orangevale; son, John Staford of Statesville; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three nieces; and numerous friends.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Parkinson's Association of the Carolinas, 601 E. Fifth St. Ste 140, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.
The family thanks the pastor and members of the Airport Road Church of Christ for their support.
Autumn Funerals and Cremations is in charge of arrangements.