The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Ruth was born at home in the Blue Mountains of Walla Walla County, Washington.

She was the fourth of six children, born to Albert and Margaret Leid Hansen.

Ruth graduated from Waitsburg High School’s Class of 1941 and faithfully attended every class reunion until 2015.

She began working as a child helping her family harvest hundreds of acres of wheat in Walla Walla using horse-drawn combines. She also worked at the Green Giant Cannery in Dayton, Washington.

At the age of 19, Ruth moved to Seattle, Washington, to help the war effort from 1942-1945 at Fort Lawton. She began a career in 1959 as a secretary for the Boeing Co., Seattle, where she was a loyal and well-respected employee for 35 years.

After her retirement, Ruth traveled to many countries: China, Egypt, Russia, Greece, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Ireland, as well as nearly all 50 states.

Her other personal interests and accomplishments include being selected as a rodeo queen for Waitsburg Days of Real Sport in 1941. She was a master seamstress and avid bowler, often scoring games of 300. Ruth loved attending University of Washington football games, fishing, clamming and gardening.

Ruth Hansen was a wonderful, loving mother. She raised five children, mostly as a single mother while working full time.

She is survived by her son, George A. Hanchett of Renton, Washington; Four daughters, Sharon D. McDaniel of Whidbey Island, Washington, J. Kay LaClair of Auburn, Washington, Corky Laxson of Sequim, and Colette M. Dewell of Bonney Lake, Washington.

Ruth also loved and enjoyed spending time with sons-in-law Patricvk McDaniel, Leo LaClair, Gary B. Laxson Sr. and Bertram Dewell. She was very proud of her nin grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Ruth had all ofher immediate family at her side when she passed on.

Ruth’s family sincerely thanks the “Angels” at Olympic Medical Center Home Health and Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.

Ruth’s family welcomes friends, caregivers and extended family to share in an outdoor celebration of her life Saturday, August 27, 2016, at 2 p.m. at 575 East Sequim Bay Road, Sequim.

Memorial contributions may be made to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County at 540 East Eighth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Lind-Price Funeral Service of Sequim is in care of arrangements.