Ruth Ellen Kroon

Ruth Ellen Kroon passed away on November 28, 2018,at the age of 99. Born in Malta, Montana on October 28, 1919 to Enock and Lena (Svenson) Kroon, she was the youngest of seven children. The family homesteaded in the Bennett Lake area south of Malta. Her mother was a nurse who served as midwife for many and also cared for injuries and illnesses there . This impressed Ruth. She graduated from Malta High School in 1937. Then she began the pre-nursing program at Seattle Pacific College in the fall of 1940. While there, Ruth enjoyed singing duets with a friend in several churches in the area. She graduated with her nursing degree from Swedish Hospital in 1944 and worked there for four years becoming head nurse on the fifth floor.

Sensing God's call to study at a Bible School, she quit her nursing job and studied Missions from 1948-51 at Simpson Bible College (Then in Seattle, now Simpson University Redlands, CA). She sang in the Concert Choir and was involved in prayer groups. Encouraged by the Dean of Women, she applied and was accepted as a nurse to serve in Congo under the Christian Missionary and Alliance. In October 1951 she left for Congo and served her Lord there almost 34 years helping in hospitals in Maduda and Kinkonzi, running a dispensary, teaching nursing students, doing medical clinics in many villages, and teaching the Bible.

When she left Congo, she was thankful that now Congolese were leading the Alliance Church and many of her nursing students were serving in hospitals in the area.

Upon retirement in 1985, she enjoyed traveling, visiting relatives and friends, being involved at North Seattle Church in their library and on the Mission Board.

In 1996, Ruth moved to Crista in Shoreline, Washington, where she served on the Council, learned new skills, enjoyed reading and keeping up with family and friends via visits, letters, cards and emails.

Ruth desired to always follow her Lord Jesus Christ and be open to his calling on her life.

Predeceased by her parents, siblings and three nephews. She will be missed by her 13 nieces and nephews, plus numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to: Ruth Ellen Kroon RN Chapel Fund- https://give.spu.edu/page.aspx?pid=298 Or North Seattle Alliance/Ruth Kroon Missionary Scholarship - https://simpsonu.edu/Pages/About/Support/Giving-Opportunities/Tribute-Scholarships.htm