Ruth Elizabeth Lang

Ruth Elizabeth Lang, age 82, of Spokane Valley, Washington, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 26, 1942, in Gladstone, Michigan, to Burtress A. Burch and Clifford E. LeDuc, Ruth was the third of four children, with siblings Paul LeDuc, Lois Langdon, and Kathleen Bluel. She graduated from Gladstone High School in 1960, holding dear the memories of camping in her parents' cabin and playing in the woods and river with her siblings and cousins.

Ruth had a lifelong love for music, especially folk music, and a special fondness for babies. Her life took a significant turn when she met Thomas John Lang after he returned from Naval Boot Camp in 1957. Their connection deepened quickly, leading to their marriage on October 14, 1960, at the Methodist Church in Gladstone, Michigan, with family members June and Clarence Lang witnessing their vows.

As a devoted Navy wife, Ruth embraced life in various locations, welcoming three daughters—Barbara, Deborah, and Christine—while stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Later, she celebrated the birth of twins, a boy and a girl, Thomas Jr. and Tracy, in Great Lakes, Illinois. The family’s journey continued through Long Beach, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, before settling in Spokane, Washington, in 1974 when Tom retired from the Navy.

Ruth found fulfillment in her career as a phlebotomist, working for Pathology Associates Medical Laboratory for 20 years before retiring in 2003. She cherished the visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, enjoying family gatherings and card games—where she often emerged victorious. Ruth delighted in her morning rituals on the patio, watching birds at their many feeders, and took pride in decorating her home and growing flowers. Baking with her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and music was a constant presence in her life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father, Clifford E. LeDuc; her mother, Burtress Burch; her sister, Lois Langdon; and her brother, Paul LeDuc. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Thomas Lang; her children, Barbara, Deborah, Christine (Russ), Thomas Jr. (Bonnie), and Tracy; her grandchildren, Erica, Todd (Sarah), Nichole (Brandon), Teasha (Mike), Jessica (Ryan), Zachary (Haley), Madison (Zachary), Mackenzie, Tommy III, and Travis; and her great-grandchildren, Tayana, Trinity, Emma, Alexis, Carter, Isiah, Ellie, Kaylee, Beckett, Karson, Calvin, Berkley, Kamdon, Dallie, Delaynie Ruth, Eli, and Luke. She also leaves behind her sister, Kathleen Bluel, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth Lang’s legacy of love, laughter, and family will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.