Eve Jebens shared the following obituary with Update.
It is with sadness that I share the passing of our remarkable mother, Ruth A. Jebens. She passed away April 29, 2026, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Mom was born in July 1925 in Germany. She met our dad, Werner Jebens, at age 14, and married him in 1949. Mom immigrated to the US in 1950 and after 3 daughters, our parents moved to Pasadena, California in 1961. In her almost 101 years, she lived through and saw much change in the world. Mom lived a happy long life and will be missed by Gloria, Sue, and me.
Her nuclear family of five expanded to five grandchildren (Brandon, Bronson, Joe, Julie, and Jackie), 15 great-grandchildren (Alicia, Rachael, Felicia, Helaina, Nora, Steven, Preston, Gunner, Owen, Benjamine, Amelia, Brennan, Eamon, Indie and 1 due in August 2026), and 2 great great-grandchildren (Milo and Killian). Ruth also had six sons-in-law (Joe, Leon, Glenn, Mike, Ken, and Matt) and five daughters-in-law (Maria, Chanisa, Carolyn, Dawn, and Annie).
Mom was our matriarch since our dad’s passing in 2009. We will love and miss our parents till we see them again. Mom never said goodbye in the last years. Instead, she said, “Till we meet again.”
Warmest condolences to Gloria, Sue, Eve, and all of their extended families, at this time of loss. I met the Jebens family in Chicago, 1959, and was in college with Gloria in Pasadena. A lovely, kind, and generous family, as is well-evidenced in the blessing of many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. I remember Ruth’s kindness and how she made everyone feel welcome. I know she left many wonderful memories for all. May she rest in peace.
My name is Dorette Bradford. I first met your wonderful parents back in 1968,. I was very newly married and my spouse and I were transferred to Pasadena from Bricket Wood. We knew very few people in Padena, just a few people from our Ambassador College days. Your parents opened up their home to us and we stayed with you all until we found an apartment to rent. Your mom took me to look at apartments. I remember how gracious she was. And so graceful, I know she was a ballerina back in Germany. Many years’ later (1983) they again showed great warmth and wonderful hospitality inviting my father and stepmother (visiting from South Africa, first trip to US), home after church services and just being so warm and welcoming.
I loved the way they spoke to each other, very sweet, calling each other by endearments. I remember the word “Schatsie” being used a lot. I’ve probably spelled it wrong, I know it was German. RIP dear Frau Jebens.