Ruth Ann Peterson

Ruth Peterson passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, after a short illness. She died as she lived, with a tenacious, loving, and determined spirit, surrounded by her family.

Ruth Ann, as she was known in her early years, was born in Tyler, Minnesota, as the third. daughter of Albert and Edna Schaffer. She spent her formative years in Elkton, South Dakota, where her family ran the local John Deere dealership, and where Ruth Ann was often found helping her dad with the shop books.

After graduating from high school, Ruth Ann attended Medical Tech School, looking to follow in her sister Marilyn's footsteps. While there, she met the love of her life, Wayne Peterson. Ruth Ann and Wayne were married in 1960 and shared 65 years of love, memories, and adventures. They began their married life in Spearfish, SD, followed by stops in Sioux Falls, SD, St. Paul, MN, St. James, MN, Waitsburg, WA, and their current location of Walla Walla, Washington. Along the way, Ruth had careers in Health Care, the School Lunch Program and Insurance. In each, she could use her gift of gab to engage and enjoy all she encountered along the way. After retirement, Ruth and Wayne traveled extensively in their RV, going to visit family and Alaska, too! Ruth didn't meet a person she couldn't talk with, and everyone went away as friends. Ruth was the bedrock of the family, and she fostered a strong sense of community, faith, confidence, and family in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nothing gave Ruth more pride than hearing about the successes of her family and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Edna Schaffer; her sister, Lois; her brother-in-law, Norman; her sister, Marilyn; and her brother-in-law, Lloyd. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Wayne, Sons Mike (Cathy), Barry (Richard), and Daughter Leanne Branson, Grandchildren Jonathan (Lani), Chelsea LeBaron (Ricky), AJ (Kendal), Zion Branson (Kensy), and Cade Branson, and great-grandchildren Paisley, Cooper, and Griffin LeBaron and Sutton Peterson.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Providence St. Mary's and Wheatlands for their care and loving support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the YWCA Walla Walla, Walla Walla Little Theater, or their charity of choice.

Please join us for a celebration of Ruth's Life and Love on Monday, December 22 at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 628 Lincoln Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362.