Ruth Evans Updike's Obituary
Ruth Evans Flath Updike passed away in Tacoma on Sunday, November 29. Ruth was born May 5, 1922 in Lake Crystal, MN to David L. Evans and Frances Benson Evans. The family moved to Tacoma, WA in 1923. Ruth attended Park Avenue Elementary, Stewart Junior High and Lincoln High School. In October 1943, she enlisted in the WAC (Women's Army Corps) and was stationed at Fort Oglethorpe GA, Indiantown Gap, PA and then at Camp Lee, VA where she worked in the cardiac clinic. Ruth married Sgt Ray Flath in November 1945. They adopted 2 babies: David in 1951 and Richard in 1952. Following Ray's death in 1964, Ruth worked at the Mayo Clinic in the veni puncture lab. After a tornado scare Ruth and her sons moved back home to Tacoma, WA in 1966. She met and married Rev. James Updike in October 1981 and moved to Brownsville, WA. Following Jim's retirement they moved to he Gig Harbor area, Jim and Ruth were members of the Gig Harbor Methodist Church for many years. They moved back to Tacoma in December 1999. James passed away in November 2003. In addition to husband James Updike, Ruth is predeceased by her parents David & Frances Evans; husband Ray Flath; sister Virginia Longozo; brother David Evans; sons David and Richard Flath; grandson Matthew Flath; nephew Thomas Longozo and niece Ruth Longozo. She is survived by sisters Rachel Wright (husband Edward) and Frances Nelson; sister-in-law Millie Evans; stepchildren Susan Ridley, Mary Nielsen, and David Updike; 3 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, 2 great grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth wishes to thank her caregivers (especially her "adopted granddaughter" Mary) for their care and love.
Memorial service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood on Wednesday, December 2nd at 11:00 am.
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