Ruth Margaret Loe

Ruth Margaret (Rise) Loe, daughter of Olaf and Eva (Anderson) Rise, was born August 13, 1935, on the family farm near Molson, Washington. She was the third daughter of four. Ruth died unexpectedly on Friday, February 12, 2016 in Post Falls, Idaho.

Ruth attended school in Molson for 12 years and was very involved in school activities, which included sports, plays, cheerleading, and class offices. Ruth was the Okanogan County Badminton Champ and Valedictorian of the class of 1953. After graduation, Ruth worked in an apple warehouse in Oroville until she was employed at the Oroville State Bank.

Ruth married Wally Loe on April 4, 1954. In 1957 they moved to Ellensburg, where Wally attended college and Ruth worked in a bank. In 1959, Wally took a teaching job in Coulee Dam. Ruth and Wally were actively committed to the Coulee community for 30 years. They raised three children: Jeff, Craig and Lisa, who were very involved in school activities, especially sports. Ruth always put the children first and she and Wally tried to attend every event their children participated in.

Ruth was a beautiful seamstress, sewing late into the night to finish a project for the kids or the house. Ruth was a competitor and she was good at whatever she did. She enjoyed golfing and bowling and bowled with her much-loved friends for over 20 years. She was a PEO member, helped with Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and was a room mother in the kids' classrooms. She worked at the Coulee Closet, Ellie's Curio Corner and as the local TV association's bookkeeper.

In 1992, Ruth and Wally relocated to Spokane, enjoying their retirement years with friends and activities at the King's Pointe development. They continued following all the grandchildren's activities. Ruth and Wally also had a home in Molson. Ruth decorated the Molson home with furniture and items that had been in the family for years. She had such a gift for decorating and creating a homey environment.

Ruth loved visiting relatives in Stanwood, Wash. She was in her element digging clams, raking smelt, and netting crabs. Those times were filled with laughter and enjoyment.

Nothing could keep Ruth from traveling to watch events her children, grandchildren, and friends' children were participating in. Ruth had most recently attended an AAU basketball tournament of in-law's grandchildren and a club volleyball match that Coulee girls were participating in. She loved supporting kids!

Ruth and Wally moved to Post Falls, Idaho, in 2014. They enjoyed their time at the Garden Plaza with new friends and the many activities. Sadly, Wally passed away on July 23, 2015. Ruth continued to live there until her unexpected passing. Although Ruth stayed very busy and received many calls and visits from family and friends, she was still lonely without Wally. They had been inseparable for 61 years. Ruth will be greatly missed but she got her wish to be with Wally on Valentine's Day.

Ruth is survived by: son, Jeff (Sammy) Loe; son, Craig (Jill) Loe; daughter, Lisa (Bob) Carlson; grandchildren: Jessica Loe (Todd); Tanner (Kateri) Loe; Lindsay Loe; Jeremy Loe; Garrett Carlson (Serena); Kramer Carlson and great-grandson Rafe; two sisters: Mary Louise Loe and Joyce Forthun; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

An informal Celebration of Life will be held at the Garden Plaza in Post Falls, this Friday, Feb. 26, at 1:00 pm. A tentative date of Saturday, April 30, at 12:30 is set for a Celebration of Life to be held at the Grange Hall in Molson.