Ruth Louise Fugate's Obituary
Ruth Louise Fugate,92, of Centralia went peacefully to her Lord on January 2nd, 2024 at her home in Centralia Washington.
Ruth, the second of six children, was born in Portland, Maine on January 28th, 1931 to parents Frank Clayton and Florence Madeline Wood. She was proceeded in death by her husband Oleph, son David, sisters Lorraine and Patricia, brothers Tommy and Butchie.
Ruth was active at Portland High School, participating in badminton, basketball, softball, and tennis. Ruth graduated in 1949. After high school she worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance before joining the Navy during the Korean War. While stationed at Norfolk Naval Station working in communications, Ruth met Oleph Fugate and they married in 1954. Ole and Ruth soon began their life long adventure together and moved to Washington State in 1956. After living in Seattle, Puyallup, Eatonville and Minnesota, Ruth and Ole along with their four children and one Labrador, landed in Centralia in 1972.
Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. Ruth was a steadfast partner with Ole on many farming activities. Ruth utilized her caring nature and determination to take charge of raising dairy and beef calves, as many as 75 at one time, while Ole worked construction. Ruth and Ole enjoyed playing cards with their close friends the Milbradt’s from Eatonville. After moving to Centralia, one of Ruth’s hobbies was reading, which led to an opportunity to work at and assist managing a book store at the Lewis County Mall. Ruth also fell in love with Shetland Sheep dogs while living in Centralia. She had three Shelties over the years that were her close companions. She shared her kindred spirit with grandsons David and Corey. She loved hearing about their adventures as she watched them transform from infants to young adults. After her children were grown, Ruth enjoyed yearly visits with her relatives in Maine. She loved the adventures with her sister Audrey and Audrey’s husband Ronnie. Ruth’s niece Susan and nephews Ronnie Jr and James always welcomed Ruth and gave her lasting heart felt memories. Ruth had many friends that she met over the years. Good times were had at Judy’s Country Kitchen where she regularly met with her “breakfast club.”
She is survived by her sister Audrey Leonard of Bonita Springs Florida, son Daniel Fugate (Tami) of Centralia, daughter Donna Moss (Jack) of Tumwater, son Donald Fugate (Brenda) of Ethel, grandsons David of Newberg Oregon and Corey (Tracee) of Chesapeake Beach Maryland, and step granddaughter Brittany Huebner of Humble Texas, step grandson Steve Moss of Shoreline and step granddaughter Diane Graf of Olympia. Ruth also has one great grandson, three step great grandsons, four step great granddaughters and three step great great grandchildren. The Family would like to thank Sharon Care Assisted Living Center and their entire staff for their tremendous support and loving care. Also thank you to Assured Hospice of Centralia and their wonderfully caring staff. Graveside services will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood Washington at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation would be much appreciated.
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