After a brief illness, the Lord Jesus called Ruth (Fitzsimmons) Maloney home into His presence on November 23, 2022. Her passing leaves a big hole in many lives yet she is at last face to face with the dear Savior whom she knew and loved for most of her 93 years.
Ruth was born in Idaho in 1929. After living on the family farm for 12 years, the family moved to Yakima, WA. Upon graduation from high school, she attended nursing school in Seattle and became an RN. During her brief career as a nurse, she helped start the post-op recovery room at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Yakima.
In 1953 Ruth married her sweetheart, Fred Maloney, and they settled in Yakima. In the early 1960’s, shortly after giving birth to their three children, Ruth lost most of her hearing. She poured herself into raising their young children while dealing with the vertigo and depression brought on by severe hearing loss. It was in those difficult years that Fred and Ruth’s faith in Christ anchored them as they clung to the love and faithfulness of God. During those years many Psalms and other Bible passages became her lifeline.
Both Ruth and Fred sought to honor God by living out their lives with integrity, grace and hospitality. Ruth (and Fred) served for many years at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church as teachers, elders and deacons. Ruth also served as a Stephen’s Minister and taught a small group of women in her home once a week for many years. Many of these women remained lifelong friends.
Her gift of hospitality is remembered by many and was often accompanied by her homemade cookies. Ruth was a woman of prayer. She prayed in all situations, for things big and small, with/for many people, always with her signature thankfulness even in the most difficult of times.
She is survived by her son David (Sue) Maloney, and daughters, Patricia (Rick) Grandy, and Linda (Mark) Patterson and six grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Delbert Fitzsimmons, and sisters Roberta Delk and Beverly Sager.
She was preceded in death by her parents and dear husband Fred.
A memorial service will be held at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church at 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 14th.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Cottages in the Meadow for their tender and compassionate care in her final days.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Maloney family.
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