Ruth L. Lunquist; Area Rancher, Businesswoman

Longtime Santa Paula resident Ruth L. Lunquist died Thursday at her home. She was 75.

Lunquist was born June 25, 1922, in Sioux City, Iowa. She moved with her husband to Santa Paula around 1950. In 1962, Lunquist and her husband bought a ranch and began farming oranges and avocados.

Lunquist was preceded in death by her husband, John. The Lunquists were married 42 years.

Ruth Lunquist was a partner in Lunquist Advertising and Herald Printing in Ventura. The businesses were started by her husband more than 40 years ago and they remain family-owned.

Lunquist was a substitute teacher for 20 years for the Ventura Unified School District. She taught a variety of subjects at the junior high and high school levels.

Lunquist was a member and board director of the San Buenaventura Friends of the Library, and a member of the Santa Paula and Ventura County historical societies.

“She just loved history and donating her time,” said Lunquist’s daughter-in-law, Cathy.

Lunquist is survived by two sons, Eric of Santa Paula and Kurt of Oakhurst, Calif.; a daughter, Karen Leach of Lake Elmo, Minn.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura. Memorial contributions may be made to the San Buenaventura Friends of the Library.