Gladys Ruth Barton's Obituary
On Saturday, December 24, 2022, Gladys “Ruth” Barton (née Sutton)—a beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend—passed away at age 86.
Born in Cambridge, Idaho, Ruth moved to Sacramento, California, in 1950 at the age of 14 and graduated from Grant High School in 1954. She married Bill Belisle and had one daughter, Alisa “Lisa” Jo Ferrante (née Belisle). Ruth went on to work for the Pacific Telephone Company, consistently growing in her roles and responsibilities. She later became a real estate agent, then a broker, then a lifetime broker working for Century 21 and Pacific National. She also worked for the California State Law Library and CalPERS.
Later in life, Ruth met and fell in love with a local florist, Jack Barton (1932–2013), and they married in 1990. With a willingness to try something new, Ruth helped Jack with big jobs, made deliveries, and learned floral design. Her favorite flowers included hydrangeas and alstroemerias of all colors. Together, Jack and Ruth shared a love of square dancing, traveling, and camping in their little RV.
Ruth volunteered at the Harris Center in Folsom, California, and with the genealogical society doing data entry of death certificates and other records. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and attended Sunrise Community Church. An avid reader, she loved to compare notes regarding the books she read with her sisters and friends.
Ruth was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves behind daughter Lisa Ferrante and her husband, Tom Swanson; granddaughter Halie Lewis (née Ferrante) and her husband, David; and two great-granddaughters, Rosalie and Daisy. Ruth is also survived by her two sisters, JoAnn Townley (née Sutton), and Alice DeBonis (née Sutton) and her husband, John, along with many nieces, a nephew, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
For the past three years, Ruth resided at Roseville Commons Senior Living, where she made many friends, attended social hours, and went on many walks.
Though she is at peace with her Lord, she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held, for information contact Lisa Ferrante at 916-342-1592
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