Ruth Marie Patraw passed away into the arms of her Heavenly Father on June 24, 2022 in Knoxville Tennessee after a two year battle with multiple health conditions including kidney failure.
Ruth was born on April 16, 1951 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas as the first born child to Harold and Pauline Kihlthau. Ruth was the oldest of seven children and lived in a variety of different places before the family called Fremont, California their long term home. Ruth graduated from John F. Kennedy high school in 1969 in Fremont and shortly after met her life long partner James (Jim) Patraw of over 50 years and were married on July 9, 1971.
Ruth and Jim made a life in Fremont also and had their first born son, Samuel James on July 4, 1975. Sarah Ruth followed shortly after and was born on March 23, 1979. The family moved to Marysville Washington in 1981 for Jim to take a job at the Boeing company in Everett Washington and called the Pacific Northwest their home for over 20 years. Ruth and Jim moved to Knoxville in 2004 after their first grandchild, Caleb was born to Sarah and Ronnie Clark in 2003. Sam and Joanna Patraw also blessed Ruth and Jim with two more grandsons, Andrew in 2009 and Daniel in 2011.
Ruth was an avid reader, painter, and most of all a teacher in many forms from daycare instructor/owner for many years to a teacher in the Knox County Schools and eventually a English as a Second Language teacher for the State of Tennessee for over 8 years. Ruth committed herself to reaching children and teaching in every way she could in her home churches. Ruth loved her time with children on vacation bible schools, children’s choir and backyard clubs. Ruth also served as a director for Child Evangelism fellowship for over 5 years in Snohomish County and shared the news of Jesus with countless children and individuals. Ruth was strong and steady in her faith in Jesus up to her final hours in this world from the time she accepted him into her heart as a child. Her faith and hope were unwavering and an inspiration to all of us.
Ruth was also a life long learner and received an Associates degree in Early Childhood Development from Everett Community College, a Bachelors degree in Missions & Theology from Edmonds Bible College and a Bachelors degree in Teaching from Tusculum College.
Ruth loved to travel and made trips as often as possible with Jim to see Sam and Joanna and her grandsons. Ruth and Jim tried to keep family close and made many trips across the country to visit family over the years. Ruth was always up for a new adventure and didn’t let anything get in her way from doing it. She was focused on making memories and enjoying her life to the fullest.
Ruth is survived by her loving husband Jim of 50 years, her son Samuel Patraw (Joanna) of Puyallup Washington, and her daughter Sarah Clark (Albert) of Knoxville. Ruth is also survived by her three grandchildren, Caleb Clark of Knoxville, Andrew Patraw and Daniel Patraw of Puyallup Washington. Ruth is also survived by her mother Pauline Kilhlthau, sister Nancy Rodriguez (Sam), brothers Richard Kihlthau (Raenett), Roland Kihlthau, John Kihlthau (Debbie) and Stephen Kihlthau (Linda) and a number of nieces and nephews. Ruth is preceded in death by her father Harold Kihlthau and brother Timothy Kihlthau.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to the great number of doctors, nurses and support staff that helped to care for Ruth during this health journey.
The family requests in lieu of flowers for donations to be made to Lynnhurst Cemetery towards securing headstone placement by contacting Priscilla for payment to the account listed for Ruth Patraw. Lynnhurst can be contacted at 865-689-8888 and credit card processed over the phone if necessary. Any other donations received will go directly to cover outstanding medical expenses. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 1st 2022 at Weaver Funeral Home on Western Avenue in Knoxville from 5-7pm. Service will immediately follow at 7pm. Ruth will be laid to rest with a burial service on Saturday, July 2nd 2022 at 1pm at Lynnhurst Cemetery on Adair Drive in Knoxville, Tennessee
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17