Ruth Lucas

She was born on June 7, 1920 in Eugene, Oregon , the daughter of Robert and Lila Hall. She and her older brother Bob grew up near the University of Oregon campus where her father was a professor of journalism. After high school graduation, Ruth attended the University of Oregon where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gama sorority, served as president of the Pan Hellenic inter-sorority Council and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in Sociology. While attending graduate school at Radcliffe College, she met her future husband John (Jack) Lucas on a blind date. They were married in 1943 in Boston. After Jack completed his medical residency at the Mayo Clinic, they settled on Mercer Island in 1951 to raise their growing family. They enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until his passing in 1993.

A devoted mother of 5, she believed her children and family were her lasting legacy. They were also her greatest source of joy. She encouraged each of her children to serve others and to develop their full potential through higher education. Her fondest memories were family camping trips in the Cascades, boating trips in the San Juans and weekend ski trips to Crystal Mountain. She enjoyed gardening, reading and the natural world. She and Jack also loved to travel to different countries and experience other cultures. Over the years, they hosted numerous foreign exchange students from all over the world. She was active in the Swedish Hospital Volunteer Guild, the Girl Scouts of America, the Mercer Island PTA, the Eastshore Unitarian Church and the Women’s University Club of Seattle.

She is survived by son and wife, Bob and Marsha Lucas, of Kelso, Washington; son and wife, John and Peggy Lucas, of Beaverton, Oregon; daughter and husband, Nancy and Dan Metzler of Evergreen, Colorado; daughter and husband, Karen and Michael Jennings, of Moscow, Idaho; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike Farmer), Laura (Sam Abelarde), Kyle, Marla and Molly; great grandchildren, Luke and Kyan. A daughter, Jane, preceded her in death.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 21 at Eastshore Unitarian Church, 12700 SE 32nd Street, Bellevue. Suggested memorials to Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (2040 84th Ave SE Mercer Island, WA 98040) or a charity of choice.