Ruth Emily Stark

Ruth Stark died, August 19, 2016 at the age of 92. Born at home in Yellowstone County Montana on June 15, 1924, Ruth Nielson came into the world the daughter of Alma and Jens Nielson. She grew up and worked on the family farm and graduated from Custer High School in 1942. She went on to attend college at the then Eastern Montana Normal School graduating with a teaching degree. Her first teaching assignment was in Vantage, WA. She and her soon-to-be-husband Archie had known each other in Montana, they later married and had three children - Duane, Dennis, and April. Ruth and Archie lived in the Tri-Cities while Archie worked at Hanford but later they moved to a small farm near Sunnyside. Ruth worked hard on the farm and rearing three children. She also enjoyed bowling and was active in the VFW and the Eagles. When there was free time, Ruth, Archie, and their children enjoyed camping and fishing. As the children all left home, Ruth and Archie downsized and moved into Sunnyside. They enjoyed the Mabton Dance Club and traveling with friends in their motorhome.  After Archie died in 1996 Ruth again downsized to a manufactured home in Grandview where she was involved in several card groups – bridge and pinochle mainly but was always happy to learn a new game too. Ruth once again downsized when she moved to Sun Terrace in 2011 where she was cared for until her death. She was preceded in death by her husband Archie and her son Duane. She is survived by her son Dennis (and Nancy) of Kennewick, her daughter April Collett of Winlock, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as Debby Stark who became very much like a daughter to Ruth near the end of her life. The family is requesting no flowers be sent, that instead you donate what you might have spent on flowers to the charity of your choice as Ruth always felt flowers were for the living.

An Open House Memorial for Ruth will take place on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Sun Terrace Retirement and Assisted Living Community, 907 Ida Belle St., Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Ruth's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements.

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