Ruth Harriet Munizza

Washington community, passed away on February 8, 2024, at the

age of 100.

Born on May 4, 1923, in Port Townsend, WA, Ruth

was one of 13 siblings, and she leaves behind a legacy of love,

dedication, and service.

Ruth's journey of service and leadership began at the University

of Washington, where she earned her teaching degree, igniting a

lifelong passion for education. She embarked on her teaching

career in Marysville, and then moved to Arlington High School,

where she quickly endeared herself to her students. Her warmth

and dedication were evident, as she not only taught school, but also

served as a Camp Fire leader, shaping the lives of young girls in

the community.

In 1950, Ruth married coach Larry Munizza, marking the end of

her teaching career at AHS due to regulations at the time.

Nonetheless, her commitment to education and community

remained unwavering. Ruth dedicated 28 years of her life to

leading Camp Fire groups, earning recognition with the Luther

Halsey Gulick Camp Fire Award for her outstanding contributions.

Ruth’s community service also extended to organizations such as

Lady Lions of Arlington, where she served as club president twice

and contributed tirelessly to various community projects.

Ruth was a devoted member of Arlington United Church.

She taught Sunday school, served as a pianist, and directed the

Chancel Choir for nearly five decades at AUC.

Ruth's musical talents were not confined to the church; she generously

shared her gift of music with the Arlington Manor and the Lake Goodwin

Community Center, enriching the lives of many through

her piano performances and square-dancing classes.

In 1963, Ruth's passion for education led her to the Arlington

Cooperative Preschool, where she taught and nurtured countless

children for 37 years. Her dedication helped the preschool

flourish, leaving an indelible mark on generations of families in the

community.

Ruth’s life was one of selfless service, unwavering dedication,

and boundless love. She is survived by her four daughters, Dawn

Munizza Johnson, Kim Munizza Drössler (Peter Drössler), Toni

Munizza (Scott Farrell), and Jenny Whitmer (Matt Whitmer), her

three granddaughters, Stephanie Johnson, Julia Drössler and Lila

Whitmer, and Timothy Hall who was like a son. She is also

survived by her sister Helen Sinclair of CA and brother John

Porter of OR. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 56

years, Larry Munizza.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on February 29 at 1 PM at Our Savior’s

Lutheran Church (615 E. Highland Drive, Arlington, WA 98223). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to

United Way of Snohomish County: The Imagination Program

or The Audubon Society.