Ruth Wanda Rawlings' Obituary
Ruth Griffin Haase Rawlings Jan. 20, 1943 Â- May 20, 2004Ruth Griffin Haase Rawlings joined her daughter Debbie, son Roger, sister Marlene, father Ray and other loved ones in GodÂ's care on May 20th, 2004. Ruth was, and always will be, both mother and best friend to her son David Haase and daughter Jenny Greenwell, and extended her love with open arms to their spouses Dawn and Roy. RuthÂ's grandchildren Alexis, Jonathan, and Elizabeth were the joy of her life and will hold her close in their hearts. She also leaves behind a daughter, Katherine Green, and grandsons Jason and Chad who even though they were far away in life were close in her thoughts.RuthÂ's brothers Raymond and Roy Griffin, sister Margaret Pankey, aunt Mary Alexander, and especially her beloved mother, Rose Nelson, gave her strength, humor, and support when she needed them most and her love for them is endless. Ruth shared 25 years of her life with her first husband, Don Haase, and they loved each other as close friends even after they parted. His sister and brother-in-law Lola and Frank Shattuck, their children, and her nephew Mike Haase remained dear family members. Ruthie was an amazing woman Â- artistic, creative, and giving. She was a fantastic cook, sewed and did other needlework beautifully, enjoyed gardening, and spent many hours online with her family members Â- and Ebay. For many years Ruth worked at TacomaÂ's Seahorse Restaurant, now the Pine Street Landing. The greatest love of RuthÂ's life came to her when John Rawlings joined our family and gave her his heart and a home ten years ago. Together they built a foundation for the rest of us to hang on to, and for that weÂ'll always love them both. Ruth and John spent much of their time fishing and camping at Lake Sylvia, where Ruth always found peace. (Of course, it helped that she almost always caught bigger fish than John!) In John, Ruth found a partner to share her life with, and the joy that comes with being loved by someone who loved, accepted, and cherished the quirks and differences that made her so unique and special to us all.Ruth was separated from us by cancer, but her care under Dr. Senacol, his staff and the staff of St. JosephÂ's Hospital; and the amazing grace with which the people at the Franciscan Health Center treated her and family members made her going to God a little easier to bear for those of us who love and miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers friends and family who wish to make a donation please do so to the Franciscan Hospice. Services will be held at Mt. View Memorial Park 12:30 pm Tuesday May 22, 2004.
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