Ruth Beaman celebrated 103 years on Feb. 6
The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) will host the fourth LW Centenarian Celebration on Tuesday, April 23. Its goal is to include every resident who will be turning 99.5 years or older this year. To register a centenarian, call or text one of the numbers below and provide their name, mutual and unit number, and contact information. The GAF will also feature some of the centenarians’ stories in the LW Weekly.
by Lita Fernandez
LW Contributor
Ruth Elaine Beaman in Mutual 6 is 103 years old and still kicking.
Ruth Elaine Scrivner was born in Kuna, Idaho, on Feb. 6, 1921, she was one of the seven children born to William Troy and Alice Elvida Scrivner. She had one older brother, three older sisters and twin younger sisters.
The family moved to Long Beach. When Beaman was young, they lived in tents at the beach at first, until her father could find a place to stay. They eventually settled down in a home, and Beaman remembers walking to the beach with her sisters. This was before the breakwater, and Beaman remembered the waves were as “big as a house.” It was during this time that her mother was diagnosed with serious illness. Shortly after moving to California, the Scrivner clan became members of the First Christian Church of Long Beach, where they remained members for many years. The Church quickly became a source of fellowship where Beaman spent much of her time with the family and made many friends.
On March 10, 1933, the Scrivners’ world changed again. An earthquake of 6.4 struck, and the epicenter was not far from their home. The foundation of the house fell, there was no electricity and the weather was cold. They slept at a camp near the beach for several days and cooked outside with the wind blowing. Then, there was a radio broadcast of a Tsunami coming to Long Beach, so the whole family moved to a higher hillside. With all the prayers the tsunami didn’t occur.
Ruth was introduced by a family friend to Kenneth A. Beaman during a church function. They were married in 1931. After a few years , Kenneth was drafted and stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco. While living in Sausalito, California, Beaman had her first baby, Sandra Lee, on Dec. 2, 1944.
One of Ruth’s best memories
Ruth Beaman (sitting) was visited by Erika Jennings (l-r), Jennifer Robles and Lauren Barich for the centenarian event in 2022. BEAMAN
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was standing on the Golden Gate Bridge welcoming soldiers coming home after the war’s end. After the war, Beaman’s family settled down in Long Beach. They stayed there until their second child was born, Bob, on Dec. 14, 1951. Kenneth worked for the City of Long Beach and Ruth worked in several jobs while her mother- in- law Lydia watched the kids. The family strived to live as a family and enjoyed quality time together, going to church, beaches, national parks, camping, parties and playing sports and games.
After Ken retired,Ruth started working at a local insurance and was an active member and president of Insurance Women of Long Beach. In 1982, they came to Leisure World and bought an apartment in Mutual 6, where she has lived ever since.
They traveled to many countries and the different states. Ruth also enjoys painting, ceramics, needlework and flower gardening . She arranged flowers for her First Christian Church of Leisure World and assisted in church functions.
When Ken passed away in 2004, Ruth devoted herself to the Lord by going to church, Bible classes and enjoying life to the fullest. She has three grandchildren, two step- grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. BEAMAN
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After two years passed from the centenarian event in 2022, Beaman still is in good health for her age of 103 years. She drives her golf cart to go to clinic and church with her caregiver. She likes to dress up, eat well, and enjoy a glass of wine with friends. Ruth says “God is good all the time, thank you, Golden Age Foundation, from the bottom of my heart for your gifts and love to me.”
To honor a centenarian, contact a GAF volunteer: Carl Kennedy at 661-810-9410; Beth Greeley at 714-329-3621; Cheryl Falconer at 714-904-1984; Fara McCartney at 714-625-5141 or Anna Derby at 562-301-5339.
