Name: Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home
Address: Seattle, WA

Ruth Ann,
I just found out about your passing last year and I'm in absolute disbelief. You were the best chemo nurse I could ever imagine. You always made sure to work your schedule around my treatments so you could always be my nurse. It's because of you and the amazing doctors I had that I survived.
Thank you, thank you.

I took aerobics classes that Ruth Ann taught at Gold's Gym.  I really enjoyed her warmth and enthusiasm, and was amazed by her energy at such an early hour of the morning!

Ruth Ann, I hadn't seen you in years, but I remember you so well.  You were always so kind and so much fun to be around.  I remember walking home from school with you and birthday parties and Campfire meetings.  We moved away when I was 8 - and it's obvious you stayed the same warm wonderful person that I remember.  I still and always will miss you.

I am sad that you are not here to enjoy life and all your friends.  I knew you as you grew up.  You made your parents' lives complete.  I miss you Ruth Ann.

Ruth Ann,

I went to the infusion center today and heard about you.  I was very shocked.  You were very kind.  I was feeling down when I first met you.  You cheered me up.  I really wanted to introduce my son to you.  I wish I could go back in time when you were at the infusion center.  I miss you.

Luna Matsuo (Patient) Seattle, WA

Ruth Ann,

I was so shocked to hear about your passing. You were such a good Pediatric Nurse in Radiation Oncology at UWMC. By the way, I loved all your Halloween costumes.

Most of my memories of Ruth Ann are filled with the sheer joy and delight she brought to everything.  My most cherished memory though was one day after her aerobics class when she asked me to go and have coffee so she could talk.  Early that morning she'd lost one of her young cancer patients and it's the only time I ever saw her really break down over a loss.  As she talked about what a wonderful young boy he had been I really saw how much she cared for all her 'kids' and the passion she had for helping them in any way she could.

The saying 'beauty is only skin deep' is way off the mark with you Ruth Ann, your most important beauty came straight from your soul. 

I'm proud to say we were friends!

No one has called you Ruthie.  That's 40+ years of being a neighbor, I guess.  You were the Princess Tomboy, and all I could do was keep up!

Ruth Ann-
I was very sad and shocked to hear about you.  I remember our days from Junior High and High School, with Rainbow, the play "the Hobit" and running for "Ms. Ephrata" in 1977.  You look beautiful and am sure you were quite a success!  We will remember you in E-Town!!!

Ruth Ann,
I was so shocked and sad to read about your passing in the newspaper.  I knew you when you attended my aerobics classes at Gold's Gym.  You were so healthy and full of energy.  This is a a huge shock.  Rest in Peace.  
Rachel, Seattle

RuthAnn

I still can't belive you are not here.
You were a beautiful nurse.
I will never forget the last day of my chemo...I felt you were happier then me.
I enjoyed so much your bright sprit, your kind care,your stories,your jokes even your daily fashion...
You made Capital Hill  Infusion center So bright with all of your wonderfull friends.
I still owe you korean meal.I wish If I Knew... you know my heart...right?

Thank you RuthAnn 
This I offer to you from my deepest heart.Thank you...

RuthAnn,

What a surprise that day you turned up behind me at the ski conference in Utah. Since then I will remember our annual ski trips and choking down 100 proof Rumplemintz in fogged up goggles. I tried to lend you my goggles but you needed to ski your own way. You took many risks and gave much hope to others from your challenging life experiences. In a world that gives far too much praise and admiration for sports heroes and movie stars, you were a light of true healing. You are my hero. You may be only one nurse in the world but to some of your patients you were the brightest star before they closed their eyes one last time. Cheers to you! Love Patti Kwok Seattle WA

RuthAnn,

You were a wonderful colleague and a very gifted nurse. I have known you for over 25 years and you will be missed! Karl Kwok Seattle WA

Will miss Ruth Ann's amazing spirit, strength and wonderful smile.  I am so sad but happy that I had a chance to share a part of Ruth Ann's life.  So many memories from college and her visits to Boston will always make me smile.  RA you were one of a kind, Love Ya!

Ruth Ann was a special Gift, we will Treasure and hold dear our memories of her. Remembering her laughter, high spirits and genuine smile will ease the knowledge that we won't see her again. Her time here was much too short for all of us.

Ruth Ann, I worked with you in the UW Cancer Center for many years and remember how your patients loved you. I have been retired from the UW for 9 years now and only just learned of your departure. Peace to you.

Ruthie,

I can't believe you're gone. You were the first girl with whom I ever danced. (But then you already knew that.) I hope you'll wait for me so we can dance again. I promise next time I'll even smile.

"Second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning" - Your Vulcan Friend

Ruth Ann, I have missed you so much over the past years.  I will continue to miss you; can scarcely believe such a wonderful oncology nurse has left us!! I learned so much from you over the years at UWMC. Your life was just way too short, yet so filled with fun and wonderful learning.  Rest, my friend...Rosemary James

Ruth Ann- You have touched my heart and so many others. I will always remember the morning talks we had, and the day we spent together at the ballet and dinner. Your were a wonderful and caring nurse. I will miss you dearly.

I knew  Ruth Ann through several positions in my 30 years of nursing at UWMC   Through personal ups and downs and many challenging jobs the common thread was untiring energy.    It is clear her caring and skillful nursing talents were felt by patients and staff as well as all her friends 
Peggy Pitzel Whidbey Island

Wow! after viewing the photo tribute all I can say is Ruth Ann lived life to its fullest!I always enjoyed working with her at ghc oncology unit.Ruth Ann was such a kick to work with. God bless and godspeed Ruth Ann.

I haven't seen Ruth Ann since our ADPi days but always knew she would be a wonderful nurse because she was so warm and caring. So sad.

My mother was Ruth Ann's godmother, and namesake.  We all loved her very much.
Ruth Ann, with your passing the world has lost a wonderful person and a terrific nurse.  Rest in peace.

I was so sad and surprised to hear of Ruth Ann's death.  She was a wonderful friend to me during our first years of nursing at UWMC. I will never forget the fun we had at the Manor Farm Inn on a weekend "get away" and I was honored to be one of her bridesmaids.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, including me. John 6:47 Carolyn Kellogg Davis

Ruth Ann was my Oncology nurse - twice.  She was always positive, upbeat, efficient, and an advocate for the patient.  We watched a World Cup soccer match during one of my treatments.  It truly saddens me that she is gone but I will always have great memories of how she cared for me.

Ruth Ann, 

You were an amazing nurse, and I respected you a lot. You were one of my role models as a nurse. You were missed.

What happened? I haven't seen her in ten years but I've known her her whole life. My brother loved her. He's gone too.

I met Ruth Ann just once.  It was at the Group Health oncology clinic on April 29, 2010.  Ruth Ann gave me chemo that day--and I thank her for that.  She was vivacious and fun and a fabulous, unforgettable nurse.  From the upbeat way Ruth Ann talked about her life, her dogs, etc., I got the impression she was living life to the fullest.  God bless her, and may she rest in peace.

Ruth Ann,  I knew you when we were growing up.  You were so well-travelled. 
We would talk and share about all sorts of things.  You were my older and wiser friend.  You are gone too soon.

I was so suprised and sad to learn of our loss; Ruth Ann.  You were the most amazing, intelligent, beautiful,(inside and out), loving and caring person/nurse.  You are missed!

Ruth Ann
I knew you from your college years at the UW and Alpha Delta Pi.  Your skills and caring helped so many and if only you could have been here longer.  You are on a new adventure and we shall miss you terribly.

Gretchen Collins Campbell

Ruth Ann, thank you for your care.  I am saddened by your passing and it is clear that your legacy will carry on with all those that you have cared for.

Ruth Ann - You always eased my treatment day.  We could talk about many things but I will most remember our mutual love of glittering, sparkling, dangling earrings.  I miss you.  Sue Holbert, Patient, Seattle, WA

Ruth Ann, 
You were such an intelligent nurse who cared deeply for all of your patients.  You will be missed.

Ruth Ann was dear to all of us in OIC, as well as a friend. We will miss her generous warm spirit. Ruth Ann was intellegent, sensitive and funny.

Ruth Ann was a pretty amazing person.  I miss her heaps!

To All Who Loved My Friend Ruth Ann:

I am working with the University of Washington School of Nursing to set up a scholarship fund, in her name, for a nursing student each year who would like to work in oncology.  If you would like more information you are welcome to contact me:   RNJenHavlin2@comcast.net.

Jennifer Havlin

The ability to be a good nurse requires a gift, one that Ruth Ann possessed and used with great skill. She was talented, loving and caring; a good friend to the patients, co-wokers and an inspiration to those entering the profession.
Marilyn Ishii, RHIA CRC

I miss Ruth Ann greatly. She had so much energy and expertise in Oncology and Nursing. She was always there to greet me with a hug and a bright, bubbly, "How are ya?" I enjoyed hearing about her dogs whom she loved so much and the trips that she made. She was a vivacious, incredible woman. I hope to spend lots of time with her in heaven, when one day I close my eyes and leave this place. She was a great co worker and friend.

She was our godmother.  We loved her very much.

Jordan Havlin Swartz
Bradford Havlin Swartz

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Ruth Ann , I can't believe your gone. It was just like yesterday when the team sent you over to get me to show them how to dance. I can still see your  beautiful smile and feel your bubbly spirit.
You will truley be missed but you will always be with us in spirit so take your wings and fly.

My sorrow for you.  Let your spirit soar.
Ruth you left too young. God bless you.

Ruth Ann,

You gave so much of yourself to our pediatric patients and their families. Thank you for giving of yourself.

Sharon Hummel-Kramer

Ruth Ann, I'll never forget your halloween costumes!  You always had a smile on your face and big hugs waiting for the patients.  You will be missed!!

~Leigh Turner

Ruth Ann,
You will live on in the hearts of those of us who worked alongside you and appreciated your many gifts. Thank you for the care and comfort you gave to many.

Ruth Ann you left too soon and will be greatly missed.Denise Parker.

Ruth Ann,

I was so saddened when I heard of your passing. Rest in peace.

Dear Ruth Ann,
I am so saddened by your passing. Your talents to care for those in need continue to be an inspiration to me. Rest with the best and rest in peace.

We miss you, Ruth Ann.  You were loved by patients and colleagues at Group Health.  Rest in peace.  Jean Catellani, LICSW

A beautiful, kind and gentle person. A wonderful colleague. A huge loss.

Dear Ruth Ann, you have left us too soon, and so sad at your pasing.  Rest in peace.  Kathy RIngo (Seattle, Wa).

OBITUARY

Ruth Ann Ruthie Russell

July 18, 1960 – June 28, 2010

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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