Ruth Elizabeth Thurman, 76, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Covenant Living of Turlock. She was born in Chicago, IL on April 6, 1944 and is preceded in death by her parents William and Donna Patton, and her sister Martha Struckman. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert (Robin) Thurman of Turlock, sister Mary Patton (Rolling Hills Estates), brother William Patton (La Habra), daughters Deborah (Mark) Schwarze (Davis,IL), Pamela (Vincent) Bowman (Ripon), and son Timothy Thurman (Los Angeles). She also had nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

Ruth and her husband Robin were members of Wycliffe Bible Translators for 40 years. Ruth and her husband lived with the Chuave people in Papua New Guinea, learning their language, developing an alphabet for it, teaching the Chuave to read and write in their own language, and translating the New Testament into that language. She was a loving, generous, giving child of God. She was an accomplished seamstress and would sew and quilt baby blankets for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others. Ruth will be fondly remembered for her beautiful smile that would light up any room. 

No services are planned due to COVID restrictions. The family requests that any donations be given to Wycliffe Bible Translators at 11221 John Wycliffe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32832, designated for Bible translation.