Ruth Rogene Manners

On the evening of August 30th our Lord and Savior summoned Ruth Rogene Manners to join him and his flock in heaven above. Her passing was natural and peaceful.

We all have fond memories of special times with Ruth, as with the family gathered at holidays around the large kitchen table. The table needed to be large since there were often 30 or more joining in celebration. Even the children's table received special attention from Ruth.  Some may also reminisce of special times at Lake Pend Oreille with the love of her life Pat.

Born to Paul and Linda Baergen on July 9, 1940, Ruth was the second of what would become seven additional siblings. Preceded in birth by Erwin, then followed by Marie, Lydia, Katie, Martha, Dick and Gladys, the family farm in the Mennonite community of Spring Valley was where the family grew together. Paul worked at the lumber mill in Usk and had a "side hustle" working his small mill on their 40-acre parcel as well as collecting cars (53 was the last count we remember). With all this, Paul still had time for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Truly, he was a man devoted to family. There was plenty to do for the remaining family members as well. Gardening was more than a hobby; it was a necessity.  The vegetable garden alone was in excess of an acre not to mention raising beef, chickens, rabbits and pigs.

Ruth graduated from Newport High School in 1957 and subsequently married her first love Richard, (Dick).  Born to Dick and Ruth were four children Rebecca (deceased), Elizabeth, Spencer (deceased), and Jeffrey.  Dick and Ruth separated in the mid 70's leaving Ruth to raise Beth, Spencer and Jeffrey alone in Spokane.  By the grace of God, Ruth met the true love of her life Pat Manners (deceased).  They were married in August of 1977. Pat was a wonderful father and provider. He taught the family about things that truly meant a lot to him which included hiking, camping and being at the lake amongst other things.

After the children left their nest, Pat and Ruth purchased a small convenience store near the shores of Lake Chelan Washington. Commonly known as "Pat & Mikes" Pat would often refer to Ruth as "Mike" in a joking manner.  While living and working at the store Ruth also served as a Teacher's Aid at Manson Elementary School. This fulfilled her need to help and be with children. The loving couple subsequently retired in 1999 to be with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In retirement their favorite things to do were building rock walls (Pat) and playing all sorts of games (Ruth).

Ruth is survived by family and many friends, all of whom love her dearly; Ruth’s daughter, Beth (Paul) Bush and their three daughters: Shawna (Jason) Williamson and their son, John; Shayla (Steve) Jeffries and their children Cooper, Cole, and Whitney; and Krista (Keith) Leonard and their children Remi & Maren; Ruth’s son, Jeff Manners & Ginna Vasquez and their son, Gabe.

Saturday, September 16, 2023, at noon the Viewing will be held, followed by a 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service and reception at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home in Spokane Valley, WA.   Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. the Burial and Committal service will take place at Spring Valley Mennonite Cemetery in Newport, WA.  To leave condolences for the family, please visit Ruth's Tribute Wall.