Lasting Memories

Ruth Chou
Aug. 18, 1964-May 29, 2018
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Ariel Ling

Ruth Chou, of Palo Alto, passed away peacefully at home on May 29 with her daughter by her side, after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. Ruth was a strong, independent and generous woman who led a life full of spontaneous adventures, restaurant exploration and coveted trips to Disneyland.

Ruth was born on August 18, 1964 in Tapei, Taiwan and was raised by her grandparents in Taipei. She received a bachelor's degree from Christ's College in Taipei in 1987, thereafter moving to Dallas, Texas to pursue a master's degree from Dallas Baptist University. After completing one year, she moved to Palo Alto to live with family and began working in the food service industry.

Ruth lived in Palo Alto for 30 years during which, she brought joy to all around her through her wonderful sense of humor, humble attitude and witty, candid nature. She had a long and fulfilling career in the food service industry, from owning her own restaurant, Ariel's in Menlo Park, to serving up smiles first thing in the morning at Starbuck's in Palo Alto and Peet's Coffee & Tea in Redwood City. She loved good wine, great food and company. At Fleming's in Palo Alto, she always made her customers feel special. This brought her great joy. She enjoyed traveling the world with her daughter, especially trips to Disneyland. She loved her puppies and all baby animals, and making those around her happy through her kind nature and positive attitude.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Ariel Ling of St. Petersburg, Florida; her best friends Ed and Dixie Love, Amy Love, and Jade and Cameron Ferragut of Palo Alto; as well as many amazing friends around the world.