Ruth Anna Kleckner's Obituary
RUTH ANNA KLECKNER
November 25, 2008
A Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and a remarkable woman who seemed to be able to make something out of nothing. She was a recycler before it became popular to do so.
She was born during the Great Depression on March 16, 1927 to Henry and Lillian Million in Colorado Springs, Co. Her one and only sister, Mary Catherine Whalen (Million) came along in 1935 to keep her company. Ruth was part of a large family of Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and many cousins. She had spoken of her childhood during the depression, which had taught her to be frugal, but felt lucky to have a family that was self sufficient.
The family eventually moved to Silverdale, WA where her father was employed at the Navy Yard in Bremerton She met her husband, Leonard Henry Kleckner, who was stationed near Bremerton during the War and was married on November 6, 1942. She had six children, three sons, Paul Leonard (deceased), Jerome (Jerry) Lee and Patrick Allen and three daughters, Lillian Ruth (husband Larry Black), Diane Lynn (husband Kent Anderson) and Mary Catherine (husband Dennis Cargill). She is the proud grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. As a military wife who has traveled all over with children, she was able to hold things together when she was separated from him when duty called.
Mom was an avid reader, especially English mysteries; had sewed all her married life, from clothes for kids or for dolls; was a great crafter who could solve how all the pieces went together; she had taught herself to quilt, knit, crochet and needlepoint. What we all saw as trash, she saw it as something that could be made into something useful or enjoyed. There are too many accomplishments to list. She was interested in history of this country as she got older and became involved in her family tree. She leamed the computer and had a genealogy program to help her put in order all of the family. Whenever there seemed to be a problem so big for her, she would pray to St. Jude for the impossible or talk to -Å"Father Murphy-. Somehow that seemed to get Mom through the difficult time. During the last few years, her sister Mary Whalen and her many shared talks that she so enjoyed, and they were very meaningful to her because of so many happy memories they brought. She felt so lucky to have such a great and compassionate sister.
She was a founding member of the military wives club (AREWS) with two of her friends, Bernice Beach and Yvonne Hayward. There several others, but the names escape me and I apologize for that. She was also a volunteer with the Friends of Lakewood Library back in its infancy. She enjoyed the library so much that any help she could give in her time to make it better for the next generation was worthwhile.
Mom will now join Dad at the Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA, where they can continue their conversation that is 3 years old as if no time has passed. Mom often said that she wanted a New Orleans type jazz band to go down the street to celebrate her passing, but we are not certain the rest of the neighborhood are up for it, so when we hear that great music in the future, Mom will immediately come to mind. She will be missed by all that knew her, but we know she is in a better place with Dad and without anymore pain. So please remember the joys of the good things and not be burdened with times of sorrow.
Mom will now join Dad at the Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA, where they can continue their conversation that is 3 years old as if no time has passed. Mom often said that she wanted a New Orleans type jazz band to go down the street to celebrate her passing, but we are not certain the rest of the neighborhood are up for it, so when we hear that great music in the future, Mom will immediately come to mind. She will be missed by all that knew her, but we know she is in a better place with Dad and without anymore pain. So please remember the joys of the good things and not be burdened with times of sorrow.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruth?
Share a story where Ruth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruth you’ll never forget.
How did Ruth make you smile?