Obituary of Ruth Watson Kalbach

Ruth Watson Kalbach "There is only one happiness in life--to love and to be loved." --George Sand Ruth passed away on December 31, 2011, in Lacey, Washington, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Ennis and Jane Young on April 20, 1922 in Seattle, Washington. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Gordon Watson, her husband, John Kalbach, her sister Marian and her best friends, brother and sister-in-law Bob and Pat Young. She is survived by her children, Patricia Noland (James Butcher), Michael Watson (Sarah Ryan), Karol Campbell (Don) and Brother Dick Young (Marilyn). She leaves behind five grandchildren, Stephen Ingle, Kimberly Ingle, Marnee Couthran (Mike), Jennifer Santos, (Kin), Jaime Look and seven great-grandsons. She was the matriarch and foundation of her family and friends. She raised her family as a single mother when that was almost unheard of. During the hardest of times, she never gave up and never complained. Ruth was a dedicated, honest and hardworking woman who was respected and admired by all who knew her. She loved her family without reservation and was an integral part of all of their lives. Ruth worked in the life insurance industry for over 40 years, retiring as an executive from Sunset Life Insurance Company in 1984. She enjoyed every minute of her 27 years of retirement, moving to Panorama Retirement Community in 1993. Camping, travel and playing pool were her passions. She owned, drove and camped with two RVs. She enjoyed her Good Sam Club camping and friends, and made her last trip with them in November, 2011. Her brother Bob and sister-in-law Pat were her RV and camping companions up until their recent passing. She travelled the world and spent Thanksgiving 2010 with 13 of her family members in Mazatlan, Mexico and took her last cruise through the Panama Canal in April 2011. To leave memories of Ruth or condolences for the family, please click on View Guestbook below.