Individual Details

Ruth Geraldine Briles, 86, born May 20, 1928, to Dan and Josephine Ogan in Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully at her family home on Jan. 13, 2015. At a young age, Ruth’s family relocated to the Napa Valley, where she attended local schools, graduating from Napa Union High.
On March 2, 1947, Ruth married Edmund J. Briles, and together they raised two sons, Ernest and Thomas. Ruth would later join her husband at Napa Valley Locker Services, which he built in 1946. She could be found greeting customers with a smile, or lending a hand where needed, all the while keeping a watchful eye over the ice cream case her husband was so fond of.
In 1978, after the business was sold, Ruth enjoyed traveling with her husband. They spent many summers at Diamond Lake, Oregon, or on adventurous outings with the S.I.R.S. She also loved spending countless hours in her kitchen baking and cooking, or in her yard making it beautiful for all to enjoy. Ruth was also a longtime member of the Napa Valley Horseman’s Association. Ruth’s biggest joy in life; however, was her three great-grandsons, Travis, Kyle, and Ryan. The countless hours she spent playing go-fish for money, or teaching them the finer skills of gopher hunting will be greatly missed. They shared endless moments with her, and created a lifetime of memories and traditions.
Ruth is survived by her granddaughter, Angela Briles-Panak (Robert); her great-grandsons, Travis, Kyle, and Ryan; a nephew and many nieces, great-nieces and-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. Aunt Ruth, as she was known, is also survived by her honorary family, and loving neighbors, Robert and Meg Losey, and their children Tolman, Kaitlyn, Jon, and Townie.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Edmund Briles; sons Ernest and Thomas Briles; sisters MaryAnn Tami and Nadine Evans; and brothers Dan and Carl Ogan.
The family would like to acknowledge Napa Valley Hospice, giving special recognition to Sherry and Joice, for their dedication and personal support. The care and compassion of these professionals was truly a blessing to this family. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who visited or offered their support during this time.
The matriarch of Big Ranch Road will be greatly missed by all her neighbors, whom she forever kept a watchful eye over.
At Ruth’s request, there are to be no services. Memorial donations may be made to Napa Valley Hospice and Adult Day Services, or to a charity of donor’s choice

Birth	20 May 1928	Tacoma, Washington, United States
Marriage	2 Mar 1947	John Edmund Briles
Death	13 Jan 2015	Napa Valley, California, United States

Spouse	John Edmund Briles (1916 - 2003)
Child	Ernie L "The Grumpy Old Man of the Bitterroot" Briles (1947 - 2006)
Child	Thomas E. Briles (1950 - 2007)

Father	Dan Ogan ( - )
Mother	Josephine ( - )