Patty Ruth
Patty Ruth

Obituary of Patty Ruth

What if you were asked the question, “If you could live your life over, what would you change?” What would your answer be? Patty Ruth, wonderful friend, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and wife, passed away early in the morning on February 13, 2014 at the age of 65, with her husband of 44 years, Chuck, at her side. Patty’s answer to that question, if she were still with us, would have been “I would not change a thing.” She battled brain cancer for three and half years and spent the last seven weeks of her life in bed at a nursing home. Because of that stubborn brain tumor, she could only say the most simple words and phrases for the last seven months of her life, but listened and understood very well. Patty crammed as much fun and passion into her last three and a half years as possible. Her passion and fun were tied to teaching, family and friends, and faith. She completed 25 years in the Olympia School District last June, teaching mostly second grade during those years. Patty had a “tough love” approach in her classroom, and her students responded. Her friends and “girlfriend groups,” which Patty loved dearly, were many, and met or took trips together at least monthly. Patty loved and enjoyed her entire family, Malbon, Pihlstrom, or Ruth, but especially her kids and grandkids. Her kids, Jon (43), Jason (42), and Kerry (38), have grown up to be productive, caring, and purpose-minded adults, like their mom, but surprisingly, all engineers like their dad. Allison (14), Aaron (11), Sarah (9), Jayden (9), Charlie (7), and Bentley (11 weeks) were truly the joy of her life. Patty was loved and cherished by her immediate family, Lois (mother), Michael (brother), Natalie and Margaret (sisters), along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. Patty’s faith was the foundation on which she built her entire life. In her final three plus years, she endured major brain surgery, radiation treatments, chemo treatments, blood transfusions, blood clots, and other challenging aliments and medical procedures with unbelievable grace. Not once did she say “Why me?” but was always thanking God for the blessings she had been given. She died clutching a wooden cross in her left hand. Patty was one of those people who you didn’t soon forget after meeting. Those who knew her well learned from the life she lived so completely: recognizing and enjoying every moment possible; following all the rules, but never hesitating to question the reasons behind the rules; having a strong trust and faith in God; putting a high value on having friends, and a higher value on being a good friend; and finally, cherishing every moment of loving and enjoying her precious family. What would your answer be? Think about it while you still can. There will be a Funeral Mass for Patty Ruth on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 12:00 noon at St. Michael Parish, 1208 11 Ave. SE, Olympia, WA. There will be an informal lunch at the church after the Mass. Patty loved the ocean and the beach so, sometime in the near future, Patty’s ashes will be placed by the family in the Pacific Ocean, near Long Beach, California at the same location her father’s ashes were placed in 2001. If you wish to make a donation on Patty’s behalf, the family has chosen The University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) Neurology Tumor Fund: http://depts.washington.edu/givemed/give/?page=make&source=GLIOMA Please leave memories of Patty or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.
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