Ruth Rhodefer

03/18/1923 – 03/10/2013
Ruth Rhodefer accepted her eternal invitation and passed from death to Light the evening of March 10, 2013.  She is survived by her four children and their families:  Brian Rhodefer, Janet Jensen & Jeffrey Stiglitz and daughter Erin, David & Shea Rhodefer and children Allison, James, and Heather with her son Zachary, Patricia & Kris Bruland and sons Micah, Noah, and Benjamin and also by her beloved cousin Betty Linnell Hoffman.  She was born inBellevue,WAon March 18, 1923, to James and Beulah (Jones) Hoadley.  Ruth lived through the Great Depression and then WWII during which she served her country as one of the famous “Rosie the Riveters” at Boeing.  In 1945, Ruth earned her degree from WSC and a received her license to practice pharmacy.  She moved toPort Angelesto work in the hospital and met Ernest Thomas O’Malley Rhodefer on a blind date.  Ruth and “Bus” were married 59 years until Bus’ death in 2007.  Ruth taught chemistry at WSC while Bus got his degree and then, together, they built the first veterinary hospital in Issaquah.  Ruth and Bus were founding members of Mayflower Congregational Church in Eastgate and participated in religious and political activities wherever they lived.  Following their retirement, Ruth and Bus built a beautiful home on the road to Heaven’s Gate nearRiggins,Idaho.  They lived there nearly 20 years and then due to Bus’ failing health moved toBellinghamto be nearer their children.
Ruth enjoyed camping with her family, especially at Granite Falls at her brother Jim’s “Lot” where she could float down the river on her inner tube.  She enjoyed trips to California, Atlanta, Hawaii, and fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to Guatamala in 2006 where she climbed a Mayan pyramid and went to the market at Chichicastenango.  Ruth loved to cook and garden and study natural medicine.  Fiercely independent, she completed her life without seeking outside medical intervention.  Ruth was a devout Christian and a faithful member of Rome Community Church where there will be a service to celebrate her first birthday in heaven on Monday, March 18, at 11:30 in the morning.  A reception will follow at the church. She will be laid to rest at Enterprise Cemetery earlier that morning, completing the circle begun 90 years ago.