Betty Reid Soskin, legendary national park ranger, dies at 104, family says

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) — Betty Reid Soskin, best known as the oldest serving National Park Service ranger in the country, has died, her family confirmed on Sunday.

She was 104 years old.

Her family wrote on Facebook:

“This morning on the Winter Solstice, our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Betty Reid Soskin, passed away peacefully at her home in Richmond, CA at 104 years old. She was attended by family. She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave. We understand the public nature of Betty’s life, however we ask that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time..

Soskin — who has worked for a decade as an interpretative ranger at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Park Museum, was born on September 22, 1921.

She retired in 2022.

In September 2021, ABC7’s Liz Kreutz spoke to Soskin.

“What’s her secret to a long life?,” Kreutz asked.

Soskin was not completely sure.

“I wish I knew. I’m not sure that there is a secret,” Soskin said. “I think it’s all just, one foot at a time. One foot in front of the other. I don’t think any one of us really understands what it’s about.”

Another explanation might be genetics. Soskin’s mother lived to be 101. Her grandmother, who was born a slave in Louisiana in 1856, lived to be 102.

“And I was born in 1921,” Soskin added, “And I’m still here.”

RELATED: School named after National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin on her 100th birthday

Soskin was also an author, a musician, and a civil rights activist.

In the documentary, “Sign My Name to Freedom,” Soskin revealed her passion for music.

“There’s a part of my life that I’ve kept hidden for a half century,” she said in the film.

RELATED: New Betty Reid Soskin documentary reflects on retired national park ranger’s passion for music

In September 2025, ABC7 was in El Sobrante when Soskin Middle School celebrated the school’s trailblazing namesake.

Dozens of students sang “Happy Birthday” to Soskin at her 104th birthday celebration.

Her family said there will be a public memorial. The time and place will be announced.