Ruth Elizabeth Venemon Lewis

Ruth Elizabeth Venemon Lewis of Cheney passed away Dec. 7, 2014. She was 94. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by daughters Marilyn Droz of Mukilteo, Wash. and Ruth Ann Lewis of Lakeland Village, son-in-law Roger, grandsons Daniel and David; nephews John Venemon, Charles Venemon, Joel Venemon, Dann Lewis; nieces Lori Phillips, Judy Young, Ruby Quenzer, Cleo Peterson; cousin Harmon Johnson and many friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Nelson, her parents Jesse Warren and Elsie Gladys Luther Venemon; brothers Jack Venemon and Bob Venemon; niece Chrisanne Venemon and nephew Bill Venemon.

Ruth was born March 1, 1920 on a stump ranch near Castle Rock, Wash. and grew up on a fruit ranch during the Great Depression in Tieton, Wash. where she graduated from Tieton High School in 1937 as valedictorian.

After graduating from St. Elizabeth's School for Nursing in Yakima in 1941, Ruth supervised the St. Elizabeth's pediatrics department from 1941-1943. She served as general duty Army nurse in Nome, Alaska from 1943-1946. When World War II ended she returned to Tieton and worked in nursing. In 1950 she married Nelson Lewis, a Vo-Ag teacher. Before settling in Cheney from 1967-1970, Ruth and Nelson lived in various small towns in Washington state.

Ruth and Nelson settled in Cheney for good in 1975. Ruth retired from nursing at Cheney Care Center in 1988. Ruth enjoyed family, friends, children, animals, reading and Christian radio. She was a member of Cheney Community Church. Ironically she spent the last five years of her life as a resident at Cheney Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at Cheney Community Church, Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. with pastors Jerry Malone and Steven Hetrick officiating with a reception to follow. Ruth was buried Dec. 11, 2014 at Spangle Cemetery. Cheney Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Special thanks to the staff of Cheney Care Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Cheney Care Center, designated "Resident Activities," Cheney Community Church, or contribute a goat to the third world through World Concern: globalgiftguide.worldconcern.org.