Ruth Gallaher Lisha
March 11, 1947-Dec. 26, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Ruth Lisha passed away peacefully at her home in Palo Alto on December 26. She was 77.

Born in Longview, Texas to Dr. John A. Gallaher and Stephani Gallaher, she grew up in Walnut Creek where she and her sister, Frances Pierce, enjoyed an idyllic childhood climbing oak trees in their backyard and swimming in the family’s pool.

Ruth attended UC Santa Barbara before transferring to UC Berkeley, where she majored in Politics. Drawn to student protests of the sixties, Ruth discovered a lifelong passion for politics and debate. She also met the love of her life, Zaki Lisha, in a Russian Literature class. In 1971, Ruth and Zaki married at her family’s home in Walnut Creek. They were married for nearly fifty-four loving years.

The couple moved to Los Angeles where Ruth pursued a master’s degree in History at USC. Later they returned to the Bay Area, settling in Palo Alto where they raised their three daughters, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Alexandra. Ruth delighted in designing and decorating her home, which she regarded as her sanctuary. Her rose arch was a favorite among neighbors.

Ruth returned to school for a second master’s degree in Special Education. She later worked as a Resource teacher for many years doing what she loved best, advocating for children.

Ruth loved being a mother and grandmother. She supported her daughters in all their endeavors, from theater to teaching. Ruth taught her children that they could accomplish anything. She doted on her grandchildren Jude and Sienna, baking them their favorite chocolate cake, taking them to the Magical Bridge Playground in Mitchell Park, and promising to take them to Paris one day.

In addition to her family, Ruth loved traveling, cooking, and a good British mystery. Her favorite memories were traveling to Turkey, Morocco, and Europe as a young woman. She and Zaki also enjoyed traveling to Scotland, Italy, Japan, and Paris. Ruth loved exploring new restaurants and making new recipes. She often ventured to different grocery stores to find just the right ingredients to make homemade curry paste or fresh pasta.

Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth Gallaher Lisha. She is survived by her loving husband Zaki Lisha, her daughters Sarah Lisha and Alex Lisha White, her daughter-in-law Amy Leonard, her son-in-law Joshua White, and her grandchildren Jude and Sienna White. Her family will miss her and her sharp wit deeply.

Tags: teacher/educator