“

She dedicated her life to the wellbeing of others

Ruth G. Lohrer, 90, died peacefully at home in Palos Verdes Estates in July of 2026. She was a dedicated mother, wife, friend, and social justice advocate; her legacy of service and care lives on.

Ruth grew up on Staten Island, NY, with her parents, William and Gertrude Gutekunst and her brother Drew. She graduated early from Port Richmond High School and worked at the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in Manhattan.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at Mt. Holyoke College, Massachusetts, and was graduated cum laude. Always an avid writer, Ruth served as editor of the Mt. Holyoke student newspaper. Then, as an alumna, she was a class scribe. She was known, throughout her life, for her letters and email correspondence.

Ruth was a life-long church goer. As a girl, she attended Park Baptist Church on Staten Island. When her family moved to Connecticut, she joined St. Luke’s Episcopal. After a move to California in the mid-1970s, Ruth became an active member of Saint Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Ruth dedicated her life to the wellbeing of others. She volunteered for Person-to-Person while living in Connecticut. Later, at St. Peter’s by the Sea, she served as a deacon and an elder, on Mission and Pastor Nominating Committees, as a mentor to younger mothers, and as part of the Public Policy group. She served on the South Coast Ecumenical Council, and was a founding member of FISH, an emergency food and advocacy organization. She continued to support FISH when it merged with Harbor Interfaith Council (now called Harbor Interfaith Services). She was part of the San Pedro Enterprise Community that secured housing for low-income residents. Late in life she enjoyed volunteering at the 15th Street School in San Pedro, assisting youngsters in learning to read.

She married Richard B. Lohrer in 1958. They raised four children and were together for 62 years, till his death in December of 2020. They enjoyed travelling, both as a couple and with their church friends. Because Richard passed away during the Covid era lockdown, the family will host a memorial service for the two of them.

They are survived by their children Rick, Bill, Betsy, and Drew, daughter-in-law Masumi Lohrer, grandsons Tai, Ko, and Kaz Lohrer, and a wide circle of family and friends.

Memorial Celebration for Ruth G. and Richard B. Lohrer

at St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church

Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11am

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank https://www.lafoodbank.org/ or Harbor Interfaith Services https://www.harborinterfaith.org/home/