Ruth E Lewis

Ruth Elizabeth Venemon Lewis, 94, originally from Tieton, died in Cheney December 7, 2014 of natural causes. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by daughters Marilyn Droz of Mukilteo and Ruth Ann Lewis of Lakeland Village, son-in-law Roger, grandsons Daniel and David; nephews John Venemon, Charles (Chuck) Venemon, Joel Venemon, Dann Lewis; nieces Berna Silva, who died January 3, 2015; Lori Phillips, Judy Young, Ruby Quenzer, Cleo Peterson; cousin Harmon Johnson; grandcats, Pouncer and Angel, and many friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Nelson, her parents Jesse Warren and Elsie Gladys Luther Venemon; brothers Jack Venemon and Bob Venemon; niece Chrisanne Venemon; nephew William Robert “Bill” Venemon. Ruth was born March 1, 1920, on a stump ranch near Castle Rock, Washinton, missing a Leap Year birthday by minutes. Later that year the Venemon family moved by rail to Tieton, Washington, in the Yakima Valley to raise fruit. Ruth grew up during the Depression Years in Tieton, where she graduated from Tieton High School in 1937 as valedictorian. Upon graduating from St. Elizabeths School for Nursing Yakima in 1941, Ruth supervised the St. Elizabeth’s Pediatrics Department from 1941-1943. She served as general duty Army nurse in Nome, Alaska 1943-1946. When World War II ended she returned to Tieton and worked in nursing. In 1950 she married Nelson Lewis, a Vo-Ag teacher of Veterans in the Highland School District. Before settling in Cheney initially in 1967, then for good in 1975, Ruth and Nelson raised their daughters and served in nursing and education in various small towns in Washington. Ruth retired from nursing at Cheney Care Center in 1988. In retirement she cared for a sick husband and helped friends with health needs. Ruth enjoyed family, friends, children, animals, reading, and Christian radio. She was a member of Cheney Community Church. Ironically she spent the last five years of her life as a resident at Cheney Care Center. A memorial service will be held at Cheney Community Church, Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 2:00 pm, with Pastors Jerry Malone and Steven Hetrick officiating. Reception following. Ruth was buried December 11, 2014 at Spangle Cemetery. Special thanks to the staff of Cheney Care Center. Memorial Contributions may be made to Cheney Care Center--designate “Resident Activities” or to Cheney Community Church. Or contribute a goat to a needy third world family through World Concern: globalgiftguide.worldconcern.org

Ruth E Lewis

March 1, 1920 - December 7, 2014