Virginia Ruth Wilkinson

On Thursday, November 28th, 2024, Virginia Ruth (Yocham) Wilkinson, passed away peacefully at the age of 98, in Yakima, WA. Ruth was born on May 19th, 1926, to Everett and Laura Yocham, in Peel Arkansas.

The eldest of nine children, she grew up in Peel, Arkansas. She spoke fondly of her childhood and referred to it as a simpler time of life. She recalled learning to cook, bake, sew and preserve food. Ruth shared memories of picking cotton, doing farm chores and helping care for her younger siblings.

Ruth married the love of her life, John Calvin Wilkinson, on June 4th, 1944, in Monarch, Arkansas. After John’s service in the Army in WW II, they moved to Cowiche, WA where she worked for many years for Strand Apples before staying at home to be a homemaker and help farm their family orchard. Ruth was first and foremost a loving and devoted wife to her husband, who she lovingly called, Jay. Together, they raised their three children. As parents they built a legacy of hard work, honesty and generosity.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Ruth loved being a grandma. She passed down her wisdom through her actions by demonstrating the meaning of responsibility, treating others with respect, being thankful and making the most of what you’ve been given. She created many special memories with her grandchildren over the years. From cooking and farm chores to fishing and drives to the mountains, she made even the simplest things feel meaningful.

In 2014, after 70 years of marriage, Ruth lost her sweetheart Jay. She missed him every day they were apart. She courageously moved into independent living at Orchard Park and then to Fieldstone Community. During this time, her family took her on out of town trips, drives around the valley, secondhand shopping, and outings to the casino.

With her sweet disposition, Ruth touched the lives of everyone she met. She was known for her kindness, warm smile, joyful laughter, and love for her family. Although she is deeply missed by her loved ones, there is great comfort in knowing she is smiling her brightest smile as she is now reunited and holding hands once again with her dearest Jay.

Ruth is preceded in death, by her husband, John Wilkinson, parents, Everett and Laura Yocham, and seven siblings, Howard, Bobby, Billy, Ruby, Marie, Ivonne and Thelma.

She is survived by children, Wayne (Erin) Wilkinson, Sue (Jim) McCorkindale, Joan (Gail) Amos; sister, Opal Stafford; eight grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Debbie and Melanie at Shepard’s Gate Adult Home for their care during the last years of her life.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on 902 W. Yakima Avenue in Yakima, WA. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, at 10:30 AM at West Hills Memorial Park.