Ruth N. Elder White

Ruth N. White, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2011, with her family by her side. Ruth was born in Woodston, Kansas on July 13, 1919, to Walter and Hetty Elder. In 1929, the family moved to North Idaho and began farming along the Pend Oreille River. Ruth attended elementary school in the area and graduated from Priest River High School.

She met the love of her life, Edward White, and they were married on July 17, 1937, in Sandpoint, ID. They started their family and eventually moved to the Spokane Valley where Ed and his brother Herald started the family business, White Block Co. in 1947.

Ruth was a homemaker and busy mother of two sons. She enjoyed baking, all types of needlework and sewing for her family and friends. A family trip to the mountains for huckleberries and a picnic was always a special day, topped off with a piece of her delicious huckleberry pie!

Over four decades, her family and friends would gather at the summer place on pend Oreille River for boating, swimming and family fun. The day was never complete until everyone had a big bowl of Grandma Ruth's homemade ice cream.

After retirement, Ruth and Ed traveled considerably, and Ruth continued with her special gift of quilt making. Her beautiful quilts are her legacy, and cherished by all who have them.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; her youngest son, Lyle White; an infant sister, Isla Elder; a brother, Gerald Elder; a sister, Beth Flaig; and a niece, Cheri Elder.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Edward White, of Spokane Valley, WA; a son, Wayne (Sandra) White, of Rathdrum, ID; a sister, Margie (Ed) Carlton of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; eight grandchildren, Shayne (Jen) White, Sandra (Scott) Murphy, Stacy (Thad) Corless, Ruth Hoffer, Greg Smith, Wendy (Tim) Smith, Paul (Kairi) White and Todd (Monica) White; 20 great grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA. A luncheon will follow in the dining room of the Holman Gardens Retirement Apartments, 12912 E. 12th Ave., Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The American Heart Association, 140 S. Arthur St., Suite 610, Spokane, WA 99202.