Ruth Berg

On September 27th, 1921 in Stuttgart, Arkansas, a daughter, they named James Ruth Clemons was born to parents Ruby Taylor Clemons and Earl H. Clemons. Little did they realize what a gift they would be giving the world. From the beginning a bright and beautiful child she would go on to touch the lives of countless individuals in her 93 yrs on earth. Ruth lost her father in a hunting accident at the age of 2 but was very fortunate when Ruby remarried a wonderful man named John Endsley who would be the man she remembered as her father. When Ruth was 4 yrs old the family relocated to a small logging community near Omak, WA where she graduated from high school and went on to earn the title of Cherry Blossom Princess. A child of the depression years Ruth would never forget her humble beginnings or lose her strong work ethic.

A courageous decision to move to Seattle when she was 20 changed her life forever. There she worked as an elevator girl at the Olympic Hotel where she met and fell in love with local businessman Ray Fezler. She would credit Ray with teaching her the business skills that she would carry forward the remainder of her life. Their marriage brought them to Tacoma where they owned a number of businesses and she would make lifelong friends. Recognized as a fabulous cook and incredible hostess she would entertain not only friends but because of Ray's political involvement countless politicians running for local, state, and national office and many famous entertainers. She would also acquire the title of mother during these years helping raise Ray's daughter Raylene and then adopting infants Kathleen and Raymond.

Business took them to Indio, CA for a number of years and then in the mid fifties to an unnamed border town on the Idaho Nevada border where they would establish the first casino in what is now the town of Jackpot. In 1962 Ray died suddenly leaving Ruth a young widow with 2 small children. Shortly after she met Twin Falls, ID Funeral Director and former WA resident Richard Berg. It was not long before they would marry and their family would increase to include Dick's 2 children Kristina and Dick Jr. Wanting to return to the area both considered home they came back to the Gig Harbor area and purchased a funeral home in downtown Gig Harbor until they could design and build Haven of Rest Funeral Home. Once this business was successfully established they took on the formation of Miller Woodlawn in Bremerton where they would remain until retirement.

Life was not all work for Ruth and Dick as they enjoyed many years of boating the waters of Puget Sound, wintering in Palm Desert and taking numerous cruises and tours all over the world. When they decided to retire they would elect to spend their winters in Palm Desert and their summers in northern Idaho. In 2005 Dick passed away and Ruth returned to WA shortly after to be near family. For the past 6 yrs she has resided at Harbor Place in Gig Harbor where she has been cared for by their wonderful staff and the many great friends she has made there including her devoted friend and advocate Ruth Rasmussen. The family is very grateful for the wonderful care she has received not only at Harbor Place but by the many doctors and nurses who have been a part of her life these past 6 yrs allowing her to maintain her independence. She has recently been under the compassionate care of Hospice.

Ruth is survived by daughters Kathi Gladdsen of Tacoma, Kristina Glaves of CA and Raylene Pressley and husband Tom Pressley of UT and son Richard Berg Jr of Grapeview, WA. She was predeceased by son Ray Fezler Jr of Bremerton. Grandchildren include Brandy, Brian , Gina , Ryan, Jessica and Haley as well as 6 great grandchildren. Services will be held on Wed 10/15 at Miller Woodlawn in Bremerton at 11:00 AM.