Ruth left on her journey to heaven Friday, Oct. 15, 2004. She was born July 22, 1923 to William and Cora Barnes Winz, Republican City, NE.

She is survived by her children spouses Larry Kathy, Jimmy Lucy, Peggy Clair Cochran, and Tommy Robin, and eight grandchildren: Peggy Jo Don Crom, Larry Jr., Krena Robbin Duncan, Terry, Danny Shasta, Tommy Jr., Dawn and Tammy Glen Sweet, & 12 g-grandchildren Randen Amanda Smith, LaShawna Dale Ford, Ian Robinson, Ashley, Jesse, Alex, Lechelle, Cassandra, Jacob and Nicole, Samantha and Ben, and two gg-grandchildren Damien and Guignan.

She was preceded in death by both parents, her 14 year-old son Danny 1968, husband Leo 1986, brothers Cal and William Bill Jr., brother-in-law Ralph Minnick, and other dear friends Bud and Fran Smith and Ro Schultz.

Her sister Evelyn Minnick, sister-in-law Erma Winz, cousins, Bob Aleene Bush and Alice Howsden Bickle, and life long friend Art Schultz have been a shoulder to lean on in her life.

She graduated from Huntley High School in 1941 and went to work as a waitress in Hastings, NE, where she met her future husband Leo, while he was building the nearby Naval base. They both came from large farm families. They married in June 1943 and moved to Richland, WA., to work on the Hanford Project. They bought 5 acres on road 64 in Pasco, WA., hand built a house and moved there in 1950 where they raised their five children.

Ruth was second runner up for Pasco's Woman Of The Year in the early 1960's. She was a great homemaker.

She had been very active in the Eagles organization at the FOE# 2241 lodge in Pasco, WA., since the early 1960' s. She served on all of the Auxiliary chairs, and won WA state One Woman Ritual competitions. She was part of the Eagles Drill Team and was the Drill Team Captain for four years. This Drill Team held first place WA State Drill Team honors for eight years.

She was an avid Bingo player, at most of the local bingo parlors. She was well liked by the other players, until she would yell BINGO.

In her leisure time she raised her five children, farmed, was involved in leadership roles in 4-H club and Girl Scouts, and found time to help her husband and boys in the Boy Scouts.

She never pushed away a stray cat or a stray kid, and gave them good food, a warm blanket, and a place to stay until they could go home. She enjoyed the love from all members of her family and her extended family.

Come for a viewing this Thursday evening from 5-8. Come enjoy her last farewell this Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, at 2:00 pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland, WA. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Luncheon to follow at Pasco's FOE# 2241 hall.