Ruthlea Boucher

Ruthlea Eberhart Boucher, 100 Years and 42 days old, of Indio, California, passed away on Christmas day, December 25, 2022 in Indio. She was born November 13, 1922 in Huggins, Missouri to Eva Elizabeth Hogue from Missouri and Eugene E. Eberhart from Kentucky. Ruthlea was raised on a farm and graduated from Houston High School, Houston County, Missouri in 1941. Her father believed that pharmacists made good money, so she enrolled in the St. Louis College of Pharmacy graduating in 1944. Her class graduated early that year so that the men could join the war effort. Ruthlea immediately started to work at pharmacies in the St. Louis area and met her future husband at West Park Baptist Church. Ruthlea married George Wade Boucher on February 22, 1946 in St. Louis. George was a car dealership owner and salesman, while at the same time pursuing a career in broadcasting. They decided to move to Seattle, Washington in 1952 and Ruthlea was immediately hired at a local pharmacy. She worked full time, until their daughter, Melinda Ruth was born in 1957 and 2 1/2 years later their son, George Eugene Boucher was born in 1959. For the remainder of her pharmacy career, she worked part time while raising their two children. Ruthlea and George founded Highland Baptist Church in North Seattle in 1955. She was active in many charitable organizations such as American Diabetes Association, Club Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. In addition, she served at the church as a Sunday School Teacher, Nursery worker and choir member. Looking for a good place to retire, the moved to Palm Springs, CA in 1996. George was President of the Tucker Automobile Club of America and they traveled together to many care meets and shows. George passed August 21, 2010, with their marriage lasting 64 1/2 years. Ruthlea attended her 70th High School reunion in 2011. She had her 100th Birthday November 13th at her daughter's home in the Palm Springs area. She had a stroke December 10th and passed away peacefully at home Christmas morning. Family members include daughter Melinda Ruth Boucher Read, son-in-law Tom Read, of Spokane, WA, son George Boucher, daughter-in-law Yali Boucher of Indio, and grandson Richard Chao Boucher of New York, New York. Funeral service for Ruthlea was held at the Journey Baptist Church, Palm Desert, CA on Saturday, January 14th. A Funeral service will be held in the chapel at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills - 409 Filbert Rd. Lynnwood, WA 98036 January 21st at 1:00 PM followed by interment at 2:00 PM. She will be laid to rest between her husband, George, and her parents.

The family suggests remembrance donations be made to the America Diabetes Association, Salvation Army or the Journey Baptist Church, palm Dessert, CA.