Ruth Ann Felix

In remembrance, we honor the remarkable life of Ruth Ann Ehlers-Felix, a woman who truly lived to serve the Lord, to love, and embraced her journey gracefully, while always ready for the next adventure. Born on January 18, 1933, in the lush landscapes of Pennsylvania, Ruth began her journey of life, as the youngest of 4 children to Wilhelm (William), and Carolyn (Carrie Sawyer) Linneman’s. Ruthie passed peacefully, taking her final trip on December 3, 2024, at the golden age of 91. She was doing what she loved and on vacation visiting family and taking a cruise with her husband Frank, in Florida.

Ruth was more than just a name or a date on a page; she was a woman of deep faith and limitless spirit. She was a whirlwind of loving acts, endless curiosity, and warm embraces, always ready to whisk those she loved away on an adventure or simply make new memories around her.

Most recently, Ruth was living life to the fullest in Washington and California, traveling often with family and friends to Florida. Ruth had a wild ride of a life experienced, so grab a cup of earl-grey tea, and let us celebrate Ruth while I share a small account of her life well served and lived in the Lord.

Devoutly religious, Ruth held her Christian beliefs close to her heart, embodying what it truly meant to be a servant of Jesus. She was a cornerstone in her churches over the years, connecting with others through community, volunteer work, fellowship, and prayer. She inspired many over the years and fondly remembered being a pre-school church teacher, as well. ~ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied Grace. I Peter 4:10-11

In the mid-fifties, Ruth moved from Dallastown and other areas of Pennsylvania to Spry, PA when she married first husband, Ron Ness. They sadly lost a son during childbirth, and although tragic for Ruth, they were blessed in 1956 with a 6-month baby (what would have been the same age as their own lost son), when they adopted Ree Aaron Ness. In 1959, the two moved to California to start anew. Ruth always said that California is what brought her to become a life-long Christian, and that move was the catalyst to starting her relationship with Christ. No matter the obstacles Ruth faced in her life, she overcame gracefully. ~ Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others. Colossians 3:23-24

Aside from religion being a daily walk, Ruth’s passions included being in the sun, journaling, sewing, and swimming, so the sun-soaked narrative of the West-Coast vibe led her on that journey to California in 1959, a move that marked the beginning of her new life, both settling into her future and being on the go. ~ In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path. Proverbs 3:6

Ruth was working at Lockheed Martin in California when she met Elmer Leroy Ehlers. And it was in a tiny chapel in Las Vegas, on December 23, 1960, that she wed her true love, and became Mrs. Elmer Ehlers. Their union bore the blessing of raising two cherished children, son Ree and baby girl Lori, as Elmer adopted both in September 1961. Ruth and Elmer shared many wonderous years together raising a family in Southern California and providing camping trips, dirt bike adventures and more, out of their VW bug.

Ree met Diana and started the beginning of their long relationship in 1978. Lori had first grandchild Charis, on June 15, 1979 (the same Birthday as Ruth’s Mother, Carrie). Ree and Diana married in 1981, welcoming their son Robert in 1987. In October that same year, Lori brought Theadora into this World. Later, Ree & Diana welcomed Heidi, which was Ruth’s 4th and final grandchild, in 1991.

Ruth’s dedication to caregiving was evident throughout her life. She filled the role of homemaker, ran a daycare, and took foster children into her home. Her soul blossomed in nurturing and compassionate endeavors, further evident in her work at various hospitals and as a visiting angel caretaker. These were not just jobs, but acts of tireless devotion, nurturing spirits, and healing hearts. It reminds us of ~ Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2

Ruth and Elmer lived all around California state and travelled all around the United States in their motorhome after retirement. Ruth and Elmer were active in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives, from the beginning to the end. Ruth and Elmer built a family bound by love, memories made, and laughter, until his passing 39 years later, in 1999.

Ruth's faith in Christianity was a cornerstone throughout her life, kept steadfast with her involvement in the church from California to Washington to eventually Florida. That steadfast support was needed in 2004 when her son Ree sadly passed away and left this Earth. And her faith and belief that God will provide what she needed when she was lost, carried her through what ended up being the single toughest obstacle she had ever had to face. RIP Ree Ehlers (1956-2004). You and your Mom Ruth are together now and we are reminded of this scripture ~ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Now Ruth is reunited in heaven with so many; her Parents, her Son, two siblings, and family including, Gloria Tompkins, Ted Rizzio Jr, Dannie and Debbie Rohrbaugh, and more family and friends, RIP.

And even while the event of Ree’s passing was so very tragic, life, as it does, slowly moved on, and her relationship with Jesus strengthened. Ruth’s faith, sewing, and travelling remained her main loves. Ruth lived-on after Elmer and Ree’s passing, with her daughters, siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren as she again travelled the World with her sister and family, from Alaska cruise ships to RV trips! From Switzerland with only a backpack, to Maui on the beach taking the slow track.

Come 2011, she found new love again in her honey, Francisco “Frank” Felix, and they shared love, companionship, and endless continued adventures. Their love story took them from online Christian dating to Ruth moving from Key Largo to Deltona, to their marrying, then moving on to Washington and Florida as snowbirds. Later, there were trips to California, Mexico, the Bahamas and more! Whether aboard a cruise ship, or Ruth driving Frank and herself in the “boogie-woogie” golf-cart down to the pool, each day and adventure was bigger and bolder than the last. Frank always stating, “I go where my honey goes” and Ruth saying and doing the same.

In 2012, Ruth and Frank, also gained a new son in George Schuler, when Diana re-married and started the next wonderful chapter of love and living. Ruth and George loved each other dearly and we know she held a special place in her heart for him, her new son.

Quite simply, Ruth was a spitfire, and an absolute delight to be around, no matter what life had thrown at her. Her bright, sparkling blue eyes held the mischievous twinkle of a life lived gratefully and gracefully. Petite and sweet, Ruth would provide the best hugs one could receive. She had beautiful hands, and while small, they were strong enough to craft beautiful homemade treasures that now serve as cherished keepsakes for so many families and friends. We will all cherish those arts including beautiful handmade quilts and crocheted blankets.

So here now and forever, beloved by her entire family, Ruth leaves behind a legacy imprinted in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. Ruth’s legacy continues in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her stepchildren, and more…

Ruth Ann is survived by many including;

Her devoted husband of 13 years, Francisco Frank Felix (96; FL), who will now reside in Florida with his loving family, carrying forth the cherished memories they built.

Her daughter Lori Ehlers (64) in Oregon, who will love and miss her forever. Rest in peace Mom.

Ruth’s daughter Diana Ehlers-Schuler (63; WA/CA) and her husband, Ruth’s son George Schuler (60), will never forget or stop loving or missing their beloved Mother. Her spirit of giving and service will live on through them both. We love and miss you forever Mom.

Ruth’s Sister Mary Jane Dull (96; PA to FL to WA) was her treasured sister, and last surviving sibling. They were longtime roommates, and MJ was a cherished companion as they spent years sewing and traveling together. They were best friends, and both would share fond memories of when they were little girls, sliding down hay bales on the farm they grew up on. Mary Jane remains a living testament to their immeasurable bond.

Ruth’s presence will also echo on through the laughter of her close and loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.

Charis Ehlers-Largent (45) in Washington, along with her partner Shawn Loring who Ruth embraced the last 4 years. Ruth’s great-grandchildren, Ava Largent (15), James Largent (13) and Elmer Largent (10), carry her spirit forward into the world. Gram’s warmth, sparkling eyes, movie-going and popcorn loving, best of huggers, favorite swim partner, vacation and memory making queen of adventures; will be so greatly missed by us all. I love you, Gram!

Rob Ehlers (37) in California and his wife Julie (37), were so close and dear to Ruth’s heart. Little ones Makenna (5) and sweet Paisley (2) will forever be held and live on in the warmth and stories of her legacy. Ruth lifted Rob up when he needed it, as a true testament of her always being there for her family. Always.

Theadora Ehlers (37) in Washington, will miss Grandma Ruth dearly.

Heidi Ehlers (34) in Washington, whose children McKinley (13) and Madison (7) will grow up remembering loving times with their great-grandmother who embraced them fully. Sweet, fond loving times of cooking and so much more together.

Ruth’s close, and beloved Nieces and Nephews, including some she is not reunited in heaven with yet, will miss her dearly. Ruth travelled with, lived near, and/or visited often, her siblings beloved children that she herself loved so much; Betty and Egan Steinmueller, Teresa and Earl Black, Rose Klinedinst, William and Elona Linnemans, David Linnemans and partner Julie Tackett, and J. Keith and Jeannie Linnemans, and so many more. Love to you all.

Ruth's stepchildren, Frank’s children; Frances Martinsen, Sandra and David Beyrer, Randy and Jim Felix-Carey, Debra and Nolberto Ramos, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, who can celebrate her life alongside generations of family members who have woven their stories with Ruth’s own.

Today and forever, we remember and celebrate ALL the lives Ruth touched. and the many who had the immense privilege of knowing her and feeling the warmth of her nurturing spirit and generosity. You know, that Ruth’s presence lit up every room, her strong hands offering calm and comfort, and her voice delivering sweet messages and cherished memories. Her family was not bound by only blood, but by the broad scope of her love.

Please join us in celebrating Ruth’s life. We invite you to share stories here on this link, and we also invite you to join us for a service in Kent, WA (in-person or online).

Join us for Ruth's service:

December 18th, 2024 at 1:30-2;00pm*

Tahoma National Cemetery

18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042

Phone: 425-413-9614

*Please arrive no later than 1:15pm and allow time to find the service.

Join us for Ruth’s Reception:

December 18th, 2024 from 3-5pm

Bosk Brew Works

14350 NE 193rd Pl

Woodinville, WA 98072

Coming soon: Live streaming details for the service. Thank you. We know so many of you have been touched by Ruth’s spirit, and we hope to see and hear your stories soon.

In our final reflections, let us remember Ruth's life was a kaleidoscope of joyous experiences, unwavering faith, and an inexhaustible love for her family, friends, and everyone she touched. Ruth navigated through life with a blend of grace and grit, never losing sight of her Christian values and her deep-rooted relationship with Jesus Christ. May we find comfort in her legacy and this verse… ~ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod & your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Ruth, you've left a path of beauty and love for us to follow and continue sharing. Rest in peace, dear Rare Ruthie; our Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, great-grandmother, and so much more…. We love you and will miss you forever. Fond memories will be kept close to our hearts, and your legacy and spirit will never be forgotten. Love always, from your family and friends, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

~Frank, Diana, George, Mary, Charis, Rob, Lori, and countless family and friends, too many to list…

(Written by Charis Largent. I love you Gram)

Last, and in closing, we leave you with the comfort of Ruth’s favorite verses from John 14:1-27 ~ God bless you.

John 14:1-27

1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

RIP beautiful Ruth Ann Ehlers-Felix