Ruth Ann Ethell (White) passed away after a recent cancer diagnosis in Centralia, Washington. She was 71 years old.
Ruth is survived by her husband Jim; her three children Christy (Tony), Dan (Marianne) and David (Caroline); her grandchildren Ainsley, Micah, Finn, Jade and Grace; and her siblings Jim and Don. She was preceded in death by her parents Gid and Eileen White.
Ruth was born on March 3, 1950, in Raymond, Washington. After graduating from Raymond High School in 1968, she attended Western Washington University, earning a degree in education. At WWU, Ruth met Jim and they were married in 1972.
After her children were in school, Ruth began teaching at Onalaska Elementary School.
There she found a close community and enjoyed teaching grades two through four for 23 years. She was committed to her students and fellow members.
Ruth enjoyed vacationing in the San Juan Islands, boating and camping. As a dedicated grandma, she attended numerous music recitals, dance performances, plays, soccer matches, baseball games and hosted holiday events. She is remembered fondly by her grandchildren for the special pancake sleepovers. Additionally, Ruth devoted several years to raising and nurturing her grandson Micah.
A celebration of life for Ruth is scheduled for Dec. 4, 2021 from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chehalis Washington, 98532.
