Blanche Marie Ruth-Tull

Blanche Marie Ruth-Tull was born on July 22, 1926 in Fresno, California to the union of John Robert and Myrtle Louise Perkins. The family moved to Spokane, Washington in 1942 where Blanche attended elementary and junior high school. Blanche then moved from Spokane to Seattle, she attended and later graduated from Garfield High School in 1945. Blanche met and married Christopher A. Tull Jr. in 1945. In 1946 they were blessed with their only child Christopher A. Tull, III. The family made their home in Seattle. In 1953, Blanche began her 34-year career with the US Navy starting at Pier 91 and retiring from Sand Point Naval Base. During her tenure with the US Navy, Blanche was a victim of discrimination. She did not accept the status quo but challenged the promotional policies. Initially she was not successful however; Blanche did not give up. She continued her fight until her case was heard by the US Supreme Court and prevailed, winning the promotion she fought for so diligently. She demonstrated her knowledge and the law to such a degree, that she was appointed the Affirmative Action Officer for the 13th Naval District while she still performing her regular duties. Blanche was a member of the Rebekah Chapter # 17 O.E.S., Heroines of Jericho, and Daughter of Isis. She was also a dedicated grandmother. After working all day she managed to have time to take her granddaughters to track and drill team practices weekly. She spent her entire weekends sitting either in the stands watching track meets or on the curb watching parades. Her dedication to her granddaughters did not stop there. Blanche saw to it that they graduated from the University of Washington, she worked two part time jobs after retirement to support them in their educational endeavors. Blanche departed this life on March 4, 2001 she is survived by her son, Christopher Tull; her grandchildren Kevin Reeves and wife Autrina, Cristi Devers and husband Demetrius and Tiffany Tull; and four great granddaughters. Blanche is also survived by her sister Myrtle Bossett and husband Donald and her brother John Perkins and wife June, and a host of relatives and friends.