Ruth Constance Swanson

Ruth Constance Swanson, age 89, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2021 following a series of recent strokes. Ruth was born December 10, 1931 to Edwin and Phyllis Stiles in Trail, BC, Canada. Ruth graduated from high school in Trail in 1949. Her fondest memories of childhood were the summers she spent with family and friends at the family cabin on Christina Lake. Ruth graduated from Queens University in Kingston, Ont., Canada with a Medical Technology Degree. She spent a few years working as a medical technologist in Calgary, Alb., Canada before moving to Spokane WA in 1958, where she would spend the remainder of her life. Ruth met her future husband Leonard on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. They were married in May 1962 and enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage until Leonard’s passing in October of 2001. Ruth worked as a medical technologist at Deaconess Hospital until the birth of her first son Jeffrey in 1963. Her second son Michael was born in 1964. She devoted the next 10 years of her life to raising her sons and caring for the family home. While continuing to run the family home, Ruth returned to work in 1974 as a medical technologist at Valley Hospital, where she remained until her retirement in 1996. Ruth persevered through the tragic loss of son Jeffrey in 1979 with the support of friends and family. She was an avid gardener, excellent cook and baker, and a prolific knitter and reader. Summer vacations at Deep Lake were a highlight of every year, along with family vacations to Canada, Disney Land, Washington D.C, Philadelphia and Boston. Ruth took a memorable trip to Australia in 1980 to visit her sister Inez and family. Ruth enjoyed brisk walks with friends and cherished the yearly trips with husband Leonard to Bandon, Oregon for nearly 10 years, where she took long walks on the beach and collected shells. A trip to Maui and a Caribbean Cruise were highlights of Ruth’s latter years with Leonard. Ruth became a proud grandmother to granddaughters Sarah and Jessica, born in 1998 and 2002, respectively. Ruth continued to enjoy visits with family, particularly Christmases spent with son Michael and family. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, sister Inez, brother Bill, husband Leonard and son Jeffrey. Ruth is survived by brother Peter of Texada Island, BC, Canada, son Michael (Madeline) of Port Orchard, WA, granddaughters Sarah and Jessica of Port Orchard, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. No services will be held.