Obituary of Ruth E. Whitehouse

Ruth E. Whitehouse Ruth E. Whitehouse passed away on November 15, 2009 at Providence St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her children. Ruth had lived in the area for most of the last 54 years, the last 15 years being in Tumwater. Born in Chicago, Illinois on November 3, 1923 to Carl and Ellen Gaupp, Ruth was an honor student and accomplished pianist, graduating from Foreman High School in 1941. She worked for the Rand McNally Company in Chicago for a period. In 1944, Ruth joined the Women’s Army Corp and was stationed in Battle Creek, Michigan. It was here that she first saw the man that would one day be her husband, while he was playing basketball. On January 4, 1948, Ruth married Onis Whitehouse, Jr. It was also there that their first child, Wayne was born. Ruth left her military service to care for her new family, following her husband to Japan with the son he had yet to meet. From Japan they were sent to San Antonio, Texas where their second child, Karen, was born. In 1955, they were transferred to Ft. Lewis, Washington, making their family home in Lacey. Here their third child, Susan, was born. In 1961, when her husband was sent to Germany, Ruth followed with their three children. Sadly, their 3 year tour was cut short when her husband developed severe health issues. They returned to their home in Lacey, where her husband received a medical discharge from the Army. Ruth was widowed in 1963. She suddenly became a single parent devoting her full attention to her children. In 1966, Ruth went to work as an Editorial Assistant for the Code Revisor’s Office for the State of Washington. There she worked until her retirement in 1989. Ruth was very active with the Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She was also a 50 year plus member of the V.F.W. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Edith Gaupp and Effie Gablin and her husband, Onis Whitehouse, Jr. She is survived by her son, Wayne and his wife Karon: daughter Karen Clausen and her husband Jon; and daughter Susan. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Michael, Sarah and Nicholas and her two great-granddaughters Kayla and Chloe. Ruth had a passion for travel, enjoying the sights in Japan and Germany and the many family trips to Cannon Beach, Oregon. Ruth was also an excellent cook and enjoyed holding court over many family dinners. But mostly, she was passionate about her family and treasured all the times that they could be together. She had an open-door policy regarding our friends and they quickly became part of her family. The family wishes to thank the many staff of Providence St. Peter’s Hospital for their excellent help and caring support. The family also wishes that in-lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American Heart Association, Thurston County Food Bank or Thurston County Animal Services as these were all concerns of Ruth’s. You may leave memories and condolences for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.