Bequests

Ruby Jones and Marilyn D. Wolf didn't know each other but they shared a passion for the work of LSS of Northern California, believing it was important to help formerly homeless individuals and families to rebuild their lives. Each woman left a bequest in her will to continue their legacy of caring.

Those who knew Ruby remember her infectious laugh, marvelous sense of style and devotion to family and church. She did not make many direct gifts to LSS in her lifetime, but our work with the formerly homeless resonated with Ruby. The Minnesota native came to Oakland, California as a young widowed mother and met her future husband, John T. Jones, shortly thereafter. They settled in Hayward for the next 50 years and were active in Faith Lutheran Church of Castro Valley. Like many women, Ruby outlived her second husband and her son, Steve.

Marilyn, who lived in Carmichael (near Sacramento), never made a direct gift to LSS, but, like Ruby, she valued family and friends. She never married and had no children but took time to think about her legacy. When she died in 2017, Marilyn left bequests to 12 members of her family and five charities that represented her passions for the environment, education, and assisting the homeless. One of those passions was LSS.

Is a charitable bequest right for you?

We have resources that will help you learn more about bequests. Click here to review sample bequest language. You will see how easy it is to include a bequest in your will or trust.

You might find it helpful to print this page and the bequest language. Please feel free to give this information to your attorney. If he or she has any questions, please contact us.

*Please note: The names and image above are representative of a typical donor and may or may not be an actual donor to our organization. Since your benefits may be different, you may want to click here to view a color example of your benefits.