Ruth Butler Geren died peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at age 88. A lifelong Seattle resident, she was born January 19, 1925, to William and Elsie Butler as the youngest of three. Sisters were Shirley Frost and Bobby Baschen. Ruth graduated from West Seattle HS and the University of Washington. After graduation, she worked for an international shipping company and traveled to Europe in 1950 on the Queen Elizabeth 1, the first of many adventures with friends and family. She met Robert Geren on her return and they married in September, 1951. She and Bob raised their three children on Queen Anne and Magnolia and Ruth taught for two decades at several Seattle schools, finishing her career at Blaine Elementary. When Ruth retired she became more involved with her beloved Church of the Ascension. She enjoyed being on the altar guild, flower guild, vestry, working in the church garden, and various other committees. Her other interests were the Women's University Club, tutoring English for non-native speakers, she was a docent at Woodland Park Zoo and Wing Luke Museum, nurtured her beautiful yard, played tennis, golf and bridge, and traveled with her dear friends. She loved her many pets, reading, entertaining and most of all her extended family.
Ruth is survived by her sister Shirley Frost, daughter Bonnie and husband Don Joy, son Dick and wife Vanessa, son Jim, and granddaughters Kathryn and Grace Geren.
Her life celebration will be held on July 3rd, 5:00 pm at the Church of the Ascension, 2330 Viewmont Way West, in Magnolia. Reception following.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Woodland Park Zoo.[[In-content Ad]]
