Obituary of Ruth H. Carlson

Ruth was born Feb 26, 1916, the third of four children to Frieda and Bernhard Meyer of Uehling, Nebraska, . She graduated from Uehling High School in 1932. She and her husband Ellwood Carlson met in summer band of the two communities, Uehling and Oakland, were married on Valentines Day in 1937 and continued to make beautiful music together for almost 71 years. They farmed until 1946 when they moved to Pharr, TX, for a year and then on to Clarkston, WA, where they established their electrical contracting business. In 1960 they moved to Veradale, WA, and built many beautiful houses until they retired.Ruth was a voracious reader and a lover of good music and art. Always ready for lively conversation, she engaged her sons, grandsons and great grandchildren in the use of new and exciting words and she would catch each with unexpected and delightful puns. Her interests were broad – current events, the environment, and local history. For example, Ruth helped write the 50th Anniversary history of Clarkston (“Jawbone Flats”) in 1949. Ruth expressed her deep appreciation for color and composition with exquisite counted cross stitch samplers and personally designed patterns for her family. With frames made by Ellwood, these items have become family treasures. Ruth’s wonderful mind was claimed by the ravages of Alzheimers Disease and she spent her last years at the Evergreen where she died peacefully surrounded by her loving husband Ellwood, family members, and caring staff members. The Evergreen staff on the Fifth Wing, especially Nurse Pam, Maria, Angela and Raoul, cared for her in a most tender and loving manner. All of Ruth’s family are deeply appreciative of their personal role in her care. Ruth is survived by her husband Ellwood of Olympia, sons Paul (Mary Lou) of Mukilteo, David (Kathy) of Olympia, five grandsons Stephen (Stacy) and Peter (Dianne) of Seattle, Tim (Luann) of Belmont, CA, Jon (April) of San Carlos, CA, Jeff (Lynne) of North Attleboro, MA., and seven great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at 11:00am with a coffee reception following. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimers Foundation or the Nature Conservancy. Alzheimer's Association 225 N Michigan Ave., FL 17 Chicago, IL 60601-7633 The Nature Conservancy (1-800-628-6860) Attn: Treasury (Web/Support) 4245 N Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22203