Exemplary life, inexplicable death: Services for Navy Lt. Ruth Cortes, an Anaheim native, planned for Saturday

“Ruth was always doing something for others,” said her sister and best friend, Huntington Beach resident Judith Spirtos. Just 18 months apart, Spirtos and Cortes grew up in Anaheim as inseparable playmates. Her trademark selflessness compelled Cortes to postpone medical school. After her mother died in 2002, Cortes put acceptances on hold ...