Ruth Ann Shride

Ruth Ann Shride, 87, of Sumner, WA was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a great friend to so many.  With family by her bedside, she passed away peacefully on April 23, 2018 in Puyallup, Washington.  Born at the start of The Great Depression in 1930, Ruth was raised in Kokomo, Indiana and was the only child of her loving parents John and Muriel.

After graduating from high school she and her parents relocated to Renton, Washington where Ruth trained and went to work as a stewardess for United Airlines.  She met Andrew Taggart and they were married in 1952.  Once married, Ruth had to leave her career in the airlines as it was forbidden in the rules of employment for married women to work as stewardesses.  Andrew worked for the school district on Vashon Island where together they lived and raised two sons, Patrick and Michael, and two daughters, Erin and Shannon.

When her marriage ended years later, Ruth reinvested in her career and put herself through Tacoma Community College to become a Respiratory Therapist, leading to a successful career helping others at the University of Washington. In June of 1973 Ruth married Frank Shride and began a wonderful journey of combining their now nine children and being blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Ruth retired in 1993 and when not at home in Orting and spending time with their large family, she and Frank had the opportunity to travel to many countries and spend time living the snowbird RV life in Arizona for several winters. 

Ruth was a caring individual who donated her time to many causes including the Good Samaritan Hospital, the Orting Senior Center and both the Orting Food and Clothing Banks.  She was also an active member in the United Methodist Church and loved attending church until the very end.  Ruth also loved to quilt and took every opportunity to make personalized quilts for her family as well as baby quilts for the Orting Fire Department.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 44 years, Frank Shride, her sons Pat (Connie) and Mike (Deb) and daughters Erin (Patrick) and Shannon, all whom reside in Washington State.  She is also survived by Frank’s children Tanya (Larry), Carolyn, Mike, Brad (Amy), and Kimm and a total of 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A Celebration of Ruth’s Life is planned for May 19th at the Orting Senior Center; with her final resting place to be on her favorite mountain, the beautiful Mount Rainier in Washington State.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any donations be made to any of Ruth’s favorite charities in her name.  These include the Orting Senior Center, the Orting Food Bank or the United Methodist Church.

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