Ruth Arlene Peck

Ruth Arlene Peck, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend at nearly 100 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on October 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on December 8, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, to Mildred and Daniel Sullivan, Ruth lived a rich and adventurous life filled with love, exploration, and a passion for collecting. Ruth grew up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles and completed her high school education in 1944, near the end of World War II. She went on to work for a leading wax paper company in Los Angeles, where her dedication and charisma were evident to all who met her. In 1949, she married the love of her life, Thomas Peck, and together they embarked on a lifetime of adventures. Ruth and Tom shared a passion for travel and collecting that took them to the farthest reaches of the globe. Their journey began with a love for collecting sea shells, which soon expanded to include tribal arts from Africa and the Pacific, and later, Native American artifacts. Ruth's curiosity knew no bounds, leading her to explore and preserve prehistoric fossils, a pursuit that brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Beyond her collections, Ruth was an avid tennis player, golfer and dedicated to our troops and veterans in need. Her vibrant spirit and enthusiasm for life were infectious, drawing friends and family to join her and Tom on their many global expeditions. Ruth was a generous philanthropist to many Long Beach and National charities. She had a remarkable gift for storytelling, effortlessly recalling the details of their travels and sharing them with her children and grandchildren. Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, Thomas Peck, her parents, her brother Daniel Sullivan, and her sister Margaret Smith. She leaves behind her devoted children, Thomas, Sandi, Christie, Randy and Karla Peck, as well as her 10 cherished grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who will forever hold her memory dear. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Memorial Hospital in Long Beach and the dedicated caregivers and hospice providers who made Ruth's final months comfortable and peaceful. In honor of Ruth's legacy and her love for exploration and the arts, the family kindly suggests donations be made to a charity of choice that supports cultural preservation and exploration. Ruth Arlene Peck will be remembered for her warmth, her ability to make those around her feel special, and her unyielding zest for life. Her stories, collections, and memories will continue to inspire her family and friends, keeping her spirit alive in their hearts forever.