(Walnut, CA) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of long-time Mt. SAC Employee and matriarch of the Ruh Family, Sandi Jean (Luchsinger) Ruh. Sandi passed away peacefully in her sleep, at her Yucaipa home, on April 16th, 2023. She spent the previous day at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), enjoying the Mt. SAC Relays and H.S. Meet of Champions (swimming).
“Sandi was an extremely special person within the Mt. SAC Family,” replied Joe Jennum, Dean of Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance. “She was the pillar of the Ruh Family and like her husband made an impact on society. Her and Don’s contributions to the college have benefited and will continue to benefit hundreds of thousands of individuals in the future. She will truly be missed.”
Born on March 5, 1935 in Columbus, Nebraska, Sandi and her family moved and settled in Alhambra, California during her childhood. Sandi attended Alhambra High School and later the University of Redlands.
It was at the University of Redlands, where she met her lifelong partner, Don Ruh, the legendary Mt. SAC Professor, Track & Field Coach, Mt. SAC Relays Director and Founder/Director of the LA84 Foundation Youth Days Track & Field Program.
A loving mother to her four children and six grandchildren, she was a beloved figure in the community. Sandi was the perfect partner to Don and was his stalwart of support for 61 years. She possessed an infectious laugh and a smile that could brighten any room or gathering.
Sandi also worked at Mt. SAC for decades, serving the college in the Mt. SAC Relays and Auxiliary Services Offices. In 1995, she retired from the college but continued to serve alongside Don, implementing the LA84 Foundation Youth Days Grant Program which served over 700,000 youth throughout Southern California.
The development of Heritage Hall was Sandi and Don’s final gift to the college. Their vision for this facility was made possible due to their own generous financial contribution, to which the conference facility is now named the Ruh Family Educational Center.
Sandi is predeceased by her husband Don, who passed away in January of 2023. She is survived by her children Chrys, Marc, the Mt. SAC Men’s Swimming/Diving and Water Polo Head Coach (Lani), Erika San Miguel (Rich), Heidi Meyer (Rob) and grandchildren Campbell, Riley, Justin, Greyson, Katie and Taylor.
A private family memorial service was held for Sandi. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mt. SAC Heritage Hall Fund through the following website https://mtsacfoundation.org/donation-pages/heritage-hall or by contacting the Mt. SAC Foundation at 909.274.4215.
For additional information please contact the Mt. SAC Athletics Office at 909.274.4630.