Patricia Ruddick Turnbull
A public memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24 at St. Mark’s In-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos for Patricia Ruddick Turnbull, beloved mother, friend, and volunteer, who peacefully passed away on June 4 in Solvang. Patricia was a longtime resident of the Santa Ynez Valley where she raised her family and lent her talents to supporting local organizations. Patricia is survived by her two sons, Trevor (Jennifer) and Spencer (Pearson); her grandchildren, Aidan, Ryan, and Charlie; her brother, Tim; and numerous nieces and nephews; she was predeceased by her older brother, Michael.
Patricia Jean Ruddick was born in Los Angeles on February 27, 1943, to Paul and Rosemary Ruddick. Patricia’s family moved to small town Van Nuys, and her youth was shaped by near daily horseback rides through the then-rural San Fernando Valley on her beloved mare, Winnie. She assisted her father, a renowned dog trainer, at Sportsmen Shows and became a winning dog handler in her own right. Patricia graduated from Van Nuys High School and attended Pierce College. She married in 1965 and moved to Santa Ynez in 1967.
Patricia dedicated herself to raising her two sons and created magical holiday memories for them. She worked as a homemaker, a school volunteer, and outside the home, eventually deploying her eye for quality and beauty at Treasured Estates. She served on the S.Y.V. Historical Society board, volunteered with Solvang Theaterfest and WE Watch, and was active in her beloved women’s group: the sisters with whom she nurtured deep and enduring friendships.
Patricia poured her heart and soul into creating special occasions for her family and friends. She conjured and executed bridal showers, tea parties, wedding receptions and countless birthday celebrations at her beloved home on Calzada. Christmas Eve at Patricia’s home was a prime rib feast set amidst a candlelit wonderland of her holiday treasures. Patricia’s creativity may have reached its fullest expression through the themed picnics that she brought to life for auction at St. Mark’s erstwhile Carriage Classics.
In 2005, Patricia moved to Santa Fe, where she independently made her way as a retiree, volunteering with charities that worked with dogs and horses and forging new friendships. She returned to California to be closer to family after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Patricia will be remembered for her devotion to her sons, keen intellect, sharp wit—and perhaps her lustrous auburn hair. A stranger once asked her, “Do they call you Red?” Her response to the man was pure Patricia: “Not more than once.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, which supports many of the local organizations with which Patricia was affiliated: syvalleyfoundation.org. Finally, Patricia’s family is extremely grateful for the care and kindnesses provided by the staff of Atterdag Village of Solvang in the last years of her life.