Ruth Marie Donahe, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, in Longview, Washington, at the age of 92. Born on Dec. 26, 1932, in Wapato, Washington, Ruth made her home in Centralia, Washington, where she built a life filled with love, resilience and unwavering faith.
A survivor in every sense, Ruth raised eight children on her own for many years and was blessed with the reunion of her ninth surviving child 52 years later. She demonstrated remarkable strength, perseverance and an unshakable determination to provide for her family. She was a hard worker, owning and operating The Town Café, where she poured her heart into her business. Her feisty spirit, kind heart and generous nature left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Steadfast in her faith, Ruth found strength and comfort in her beliefs, attending Centralia Nazarene Church for several years. She instilled in her family the values of resilience, a strong work ethic and strong family ties. She was as stubborn as she was strong, never backing down from the many challenges she faced throughout her life.
She took great joy in gathering her loved ones together on Sundays for family dinners, which became a cherished tradition—an open invitation for all of her children and grandchildren to come together over home-cooked meals, laughter and love.
Ruth was blessed with a large and loving family. She is survived by her nine children: Dick Matthews (Pat), Darrell Matthews (Patti), Caren Danielson (Tracy), Cindy Grove (Larry), Dale Matthews (Gail), Charlene Johnson (Rick), Cheryl Blum (Jerry), Candace Morris (Dave), and Clint Mason (Michelle); as well as 25 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Faith Sauerresg (Don).
She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Don Donahe; her infant daughter, Christina; parents, Edward and Mildred Higgins; brothers, David, Daniel and James; sisters, Esther and Marjorie; and two granddaughters. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her love into each generation that followed her.
While Ruth will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her, her family finds peace in knowing she is reunited with loved ones in heaven. They look forward to the day they will see her again.
Services for Ruth Marie Donahe:
Viewing: March 28, 12–4 p.m. at Sticklin Funeral Home, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531
Celebration of Life: March 29, 11 a.m. at Centralia Church of the Nazarene, 1119 W. 1st St., Centralia, WA 98531
Graveside Service: April 2, 11 a.m. at Claquato Cemetery, 142 Stern Rd., Chehalis, WA 98532
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a children’s charity of your choice in her honor.
