Ruth Teruko Woo

Ruth T. Woo died at the home of her daughter, Teresa Yoneyama (Stan Kitashima) in Seattle, Washington on July 13, 2016 at the age of 89. Ruth was born November 28, 1926 in Kalispell, Montana to Tom and Riki Oya. She graduated from Hunt High School while interned at Minadoka Relocation Center, an internment camp during World War II.

After camp, she married Hiroshi Yoneyama, who died in 1960. They had two children, Teresa and Janice. After working as a secretary for then-Seattle Mayor Gordon Clinton in the late 1950s, she moved to Olympia to work as a receptionist for then-Governor Dan Evans.

In 1975, she married Benjamin Woo, an architect and an influential leader in the Seattle Asian Community and father of five. Ben died in 2008. Her daughters remember her as being selfless in her love for them. Janice recalled, “Growing up, it wasn’t necessarily what she said to us, it was how she treated everyone – everywhere. At home. At work. In the community. We learned to be accepting of all people from all walks of life because of the way she lived. She wanted us to be involved in making our world a better place.” Ruth was a political activist and mentor. She wanted to change her community, state and the world. Friends would say she fought for justice, inclusion and social change. She especially mentored and encouraged young people of color and women to seek leadership positions. She was a loyal friend and inspired many.

Ruth leaves behind, her children, Teresa Yoneyama (Stan Kitashima and their dog Tug) and Janice Leonard (Wayne) as well as her stepchildren, Teresa Woo-Murray (George), John Woo, Jeff Woo (Beverly), Roger Woo (Irvi), and Philip Woo (Emiko). Twelve grandchildren: Aaron and Brett Byers (sons of Teresa Yoneyama) Nicholas and Emily Leonard (children of Janice and Wayne Leonard) Paloma and Esther Woo (daughters of John Woo) Jarrett, Sora and Aretha Woo (children of Philip Woo) Marcus Murray (son of Teresa Woo and George Murray) Willi Woo (daughter of Roger and Irvi Woo) Bennie Woo (daughter of Jeff and Beverly Woo). Six Great Grandchildren: Emjay, Hailey and Haiden Byers (children of Aaron and Liza Byers) and Emilio Gojio (son of Liza Byers); Denixto and Jasminia Bulness (children of Willi Woo). Her sister Merry Oya; her brother George Oya; her niece Patti Oya and nephews Randy Oya, Michael Oya and Richard Yamamoto.

At her request, there will be no formal funeral. She requested in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to your favorite charity.