Ruth Barnett
BARNETT: Ruth Barnett, of Palo Alto, California, died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on Sept. 25, 1940, in Pittsburgh, the daughter of Harry and Anna (Tenenbaum) Topol, who had come from Poland. She loved growing up on Mellon Street, and the friendships she formed in those days lasted the rest of her life; her Pittsburgh friends were an extended family. She was a graduate of Peabody High School and the University of Pittsburgh. She moved to California in the early 1960s, settling in Livermore for more than 50 years. There, she raised her two sons and was active in the small and tight-knit Jewish community at Congregation Beth Emek. Returning to school, she earned her teaching credential and a master’s degree from California State University, Hayward. She spent decades as a special education specialist in the Tracy Unified School District. She continued her own education throughout her career, always looking for new methods to bring out the potential in all her students, especially in reading. Even after retiring in 2004, she continued to volunteer as a reading specialist. Travel and concerts were her hobbies, easily combined with family and friends. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen were among her favorites, and she once snuck a Springsteen concert into a trip to Ireland. What she treasured most was time with her grandchildren and her nephews — hours of playing, often down on the floor, and, ever so subtly, also teaching. She is survived by her sons, David Barnett (Andi) and Steven Barnett (Maria); her grandchildren, Jake (Samantha), Owen, Jonah and Hannah; her brother, Mitchell Topol (Barbara); her nephews, Michael and Aaron (Teresa); and her grandnephew, Christopher Beau Topol. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Frances Topol. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. No prior visitation. Interment Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. Contributions to the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health (my.supportlpch.org). schugar.com PJC
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