Ruth Barsevich Obituary

Ruth Barsevich
Born: January 19, 1931 in Chicago, IL
Died: January 11, 2026 in Tucson, AZ
Ruth Irene Barsevich (Brenke), passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026 while in hospice care at TMC Peppi's House in Tucson, Arizona. She was 94, just one week from her 95th birthday.
Born during the Great Depression and raised during World War II, Ruth was resilient and valued hard work, family, and education.
Shortly after marrying in 1950, she moved from Chicago to Romeoville, Illinois where she raised a family and worked as a medical office assistant and payroll administrator. She remained there until 1992 when she moved to Tucson, Arizona following her retirement from the Valley View School District.
Once in Tucson, Ruth discovered the beauty and serenity of the Sonoran Desert, visiting many of its parks and nature areas. She frequently visited Sabino Canyon, the Desert Museum and Agua Caliente Park.
Some of Ruth's other favorite activities included talking with friends, cooking, letter writing, music, gardening, sewing and crafts, and regular games of Scrabble. She volunteered for over twenty years in Tucson public schools and was asked to become an honorary member of Arizona Omicron Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary fraternity of women educators. She was also a long-time member of the United Presbyterian Church of Romeoville, serving as a choir director, deacon, and member of the Women's Association.
Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She is survived by her children, Valerie, Clifford, and Michael (Linda) as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, William Barsevich, as well as her parents and two brothers.
There will be a private family service at Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Arizona and a Celebration of Life at a later date. The family owes its gratitude to Tucson Assisted Living Retreat, THEMA Health Services, and TMC Peppi's House for their kind, compassionate care for Ruth these last eight months.
She will be greatly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, Agua Caliente Park, Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, or another charity of choice.