Ruth Antonini

Ruth Ann (Cassinos) Antonini, 75, of Occidental, CA, died unexpectedly on October 14, 2025, in Ocean Springs, MS. Ruth was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a passionate educator who dedicated her life to helping others.

Born in Vallejo, CA, on May 11, 1950, Ruth was the daughter of Regge Minnitte and Catherine Ann Dalen (Cassinos). She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Gus (Constantinos) Cassinos, and in her early life, her maternal grandparents. Ruth graduated from Hogan High School in Vallejo, where she was an excellent student but found her greatest joy as a pom pom girl, an outgrowth of her love of dancing.

At Humboldt State University, Ruth earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in psychology and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Psychology. She found her life’s calling in teaching, serving for 40 years at a variety of schools in Northern CA, primarily Sonoma County. Most of Ruth’s work was in middle school special education. Ruth’s compassion, patience, and belief in the potential of every student left a lasting impact on countless young lives. She was respected and admired by colleagues and students alike for her dedication, kindness, and unwavering sense of purpose. Both inside and outside of the classroom, Ruth was an unconventional thinker who questioned everything, sought the truth, and challenged others to do the same.

Ruth’s many passions included gardening, renovating houses and decorating. She made it her mission to create beautiful, memorable gatherings for holidays and birthdays, and succeeded spectacularly. Ruth’s love of music ran the gamut from Van Morrison to doo-wop, but her heart belonged to Elvis. She finally made the pilgrimage to Graceland, a lifelong dream, in May of this year.

Guided by her faith in God and profound spirituality, Ruth taught us by example to be brave and strong, to live boldly and without fear. Love, she continually reminded us, was the answer.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and many pet-children, primarily dogs. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, John Antonini, of Santa Rosa and Occidental, CA; son James and wife Lexie (Bodin) Antonini of Ocean Springs, MS; daughter Jacquelyn (Jackie) and husband Paul Mundell, also of Ocean Springs; and five grandchildren: Nora, Henry, Lila, Jack and Max. She also leaves behind a sister, Cathy Cassinos, of Sacramento, CA; a brother, Thomas (Tom) Cassinos of Sedro-Woolley, WA; and a close-knit circle of friends.

Ruth’s memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved, the students she inspired, and the family she treasured above all else.

A celebration of life will be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Humane Society of Sonoma County, https://humanesocietysoco.org

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ruth Ann (Cassinos) Antonini.