Ruth A. Piper

December 13, 2014

Exceptionally kind hearted and giving

On December 13, 2014, Ruth passed away at the age of 65. She was a loving and caring daughter, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her mother Gail, sisters Betty (David) and Barbara and an aunt, uncle, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Arnold and brother Thomas.

Ruth was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her family relocated to the Seattle area, living in various locations and eventually settling in Shoreline in 1956. She attended Washington State University (WSU), and then moved to Southern California graduating from San Jose State University (SJSU), becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). She loved Southern California; the weather, family located in the area, and the exciting changes and attitudes that the 70's brought.

She married and returned to the Seattle area to begin her work life as an OT in 1979. Her career as a health care provider was cut short by an automobile accident that left her unable to maintain the requirements of the work she loved. She remained involved in her chosen profession by volunteering her OT knowledge to family and members of the community. During this time she traveled with a U.S. medical exchange delegation to the USSR, while it was a closed country under communist leadership.

Ruth loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker, skier, camper, and any activity that involved the outdoors. She was an early member of REI and the Mountaineers, and managed to wear out her boots hiking the trails of Mount Rainier.

She had endless projects and her house became the focus of many remodels and adjustments over 30+ years. Many thanks to the individuals along the way who helped her with her endeavors.

As the years marched on, physical limitations kept her from the outdoors she loved, travel then became the new pastime. She logged many bus, train, and plane miles, as well as an Eastern Caribbean cruise in 2008.

It saddens our heart that we no longer have her presence with us, but she is now in a much greater place than here. We thank God for giving us such a wonderful person in our lives.

We love you and will miss you!

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and You Shall Find Rest For Your Souls".-Matthew 12:28-29.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A memorial service will be held for Ruth on Saturday January 31, 2015, at 2 pm at the 1st Congregational Church of Maltby.

First Congregational Church of Maltby 21111 86th Ave SE, Snohomish, WA 98296

DONATIONS

Suggested donations to the "Meals Ministry" at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. For 25 years they have served meals to the poor and homeless of the greater Ballard area of Seattle. 100% of the donated dollars are used to provide meals to a population in need.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church Meals Ministry 5710 22nd Avenue Seattle, WA 98107

"I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me."-Matthew 25:36.

Memorial

God's Garden

God looked around His garden,
And He found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this
Earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you,
and lifted you to rest
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain,
He also knew in Heaven
You would never hurt again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
and the hills hard to climb,
so He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, "peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

Author Unknown

Miss Me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me-but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me-But Let me Go!