Ruth Ida Benson Whitinger, 95, a resident of Skagit Valley passed away on Monday, April 10, 2006 at the Burton Care Center in Burlington, WA.
Ruth was born to Scandinavian immigrants, Alexander and Ida Benson on September 1, 1910 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. She graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1928 where she was a standout in track and tennis. She went on to St. Cloud State Teachers’ college where she obtained a teaching degree.
She married Leon Whitinger on April 24, 1938. The couple were joined by two daughters and in 1960, the family moved to Cheney, WA where Leon was Director of Library Services at Eastern Washington University. While at Eastern, Ruth was involved in many service clubs, was a charter member of Chi Omega Sorority, and enjoyed playing golf and bridge with her many friends. After retiring, the couple moved to Redmond where Ruth taught preschool at Moss Bay School at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kirkland.
Her husband of fifty years passed away on April 16, 1988. In 1994, she moved to the Skagit Valley. In addition to her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by all 11 siblings and her closest friends.
She is survived by her 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Roger Mathis of Anacortes and Linda and Danny Noel of Sedro-Woolley; 3 grandsons and their wives, Scott and Danielle Mathis of Slidell, LA, Rhett and Oanh Mathis of Snohomish, and Toby and Brenda Mathis of Seattle; and 2 great-granddaughters, America and Mia.
The family wishes to express our deep gratitude to Doctors Mary Ann Hink and Teak Martin and to the many caregivers, especially those who touched her life at Where the Heart Is and Burton Care Center.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I did not die! Mary Frey, 1932
Cremation arrangements under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.