Lompoc mourning loss of beloved library commission chairwoman

LOMPOC, Calif. - The Lompoc Library Commission Chairwoman and former City Councilmember Ann Ruhge passed away on January 4 at the age of 86.

Ruhge, who served as a Lompoc City Councilmember from 2006 to 2010 and on the Lompoc Planning Commission from 2000 to 2006, was a well-known, passionate community volunteer and activist.

Ruhge’s legacy of community service was recalled during Tuesday’s Lompoc City Council meeting in an opening prayer by Chaplain Keith McLellan, and in the words of Mayor Jenelle Osborne at the conclusion of the meeting.

Osborne expressed sadness at the passing of Ruhge, who had lived in Lompoc since 1994.

“She contributed as soon as she arrived, almost, a lifetime of service to our community, and always gave her heart and soul to what she felt was best for Lompoc,” Osborne said at the council meeting.

Library Director Sarah Bleyl said Wednesday that Ruhge was an intelligent woman with strong opinions who was supportive of those around her. She was particularly supportive, Bleyl said, of the City of Lompoc and its citizens.

“Ann was very dedicated to the library and the city. She was involved in the community, and really thought Lompoc was a great place to be. Ann worked hard to make Lompoc even better,” Sarah Bleyl.