Ruth Evelyn Eason, 83, of Richland, Washington passed away on April 10, 2006, at Guardian Angel Homes in Richland, Washington. . Ruth had struggled bravely with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
Ruth was born February 10, 1923 in Hobarton, Iowa, the third child of Richard John and Edna Cady Leigh. She was preceded in death by with her parents, her sisters, Helen Leigh Daly and Dorothy Leigh, and two brothers, John Leigh and Marvin Leigh all of Iowa.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 47 years, Dr. George Eason, DMA Doctor of Musical Arts, of Richland, Washington, as well as her sister-in-law, Helen Leigh, of Algona, Iowa, and nephew, Richard Leigh, Julie, and their son, Rick, of Richland, Washington. Eight nieces and nephews, and thirteen great nieces and great-nephews also survive Ruth. Ruth attended country school and graduated from eighth grade in Irvington, Iowa, followed by graduation from Algona High School, Algona Iowa. On completion of the training, she worked for a local attorney, H.W. Miller for a short time before attending the American Institute of Business School located in Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth worked as a nanny during this 6-month secretarial training. She then worked for a short time at a Research Facility in Fort Dodge, Iowa. With the beginning of W.W.2, Ruth answered the call to serve her country in the Civil Service, moving to Seattle, WA. for training followed by 2 years at the Supply Depot for the War Effort on Kodiak Island, Alaska. She then moved to Juneau, Alaska to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Ruth moved to Denver, Colorado in 1954 and met her husband, George Eason while working at the Bureau of Land Management in 1957. They were married in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 12, 1958. They lived in Englewood, Colorado for 1 year. George was teaching private piano lessons during the day and playing with jazz Combos, as well as taking lessons from musician Howard Waltz. With a Bachelors of Music Degree from North Texas State University, Denton, Texas, George decided to work on his Masters degree in 1959, so they moved to Denton where Ruth worked for the Mayor in his law firm. Later, she worked as a secretary in the Music Department at NTSU. George completed his work in one year and graduated in 1960 with a Masters degree in Music. George and Ruth moved to Searcy, Arkansas where George taught at Harding College. The following year, they moved back to Denver. George taught private lessons and played with several different groups and Ruth worked in a government office as a secretary. In the fall of 1962, they moved to Canyon, Texas where George took a job at West Texas State University teaching music and Ruth worked at several jobs in Canyon and Amarillo. During this time, Ruth was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. In 1969 George took a leave of absence from his position at the university to work on his Doctorate at the University of Colorado, Boulder. While living there, Ruth worked for the Head of the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. After one year, they returned to Canyon and George resumed his position at the University of Texas and continued work on his Doctorate, completing it and graduating in 1976. Ruth was extremely proud of his accomplishment and also when, upon retirement in 1989, George was awarded Professor Emeritus in Music. Together, George and Ruth enjoyed many outdoor activities including bicycling, and hiking, picnicking and gardening. They truly loved nature and all it offered, including visiting one of their favorite places, Palo Duro Canyon, 12 miles east of Canyon, Texas. They also loved playing the piano together as well as playing Ping Pong. They enjoyed attending the many musical and cultural events the University setting offered; as well as reading a variety of books while belonging to “The Great Books Club”. Ruth enjoyed sewing, painting, and hosting student recitals held in their home. George and Ruth also enjoyed cooking together and trying new recipes. Ruth made deliveries for Meals on Wheels in the community and did volunteer work at their church after her retirement. Ruth was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church, in Canyon, Texas. In 1993 George and Ruth retired to Kennewick WA., to retire near their nephew and his family and to enjoy the special beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Shortly after their move, Ruth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and in November 1999 she entered the Alzheimer’s Care Facility at Canyon Lakes Retirement Village, Kennewick, WA. Later, Ruth moved to Quail Hollow in Richland and then to Guardian Angel Homes in Richland, where she lived at the time of her death. Ruth’s family greatly appreciates all the tender loving care provided for Ruth at all of these care facilities. Thanks also go to Hospice for their care in Ruth’s final days.
We will miss Ruth greatly, especially her brilliant smile, and the sparkle in her eye when she was in a mischievous mood. Ruth loved music as much as George and found great joy in singing songs she knew from many years of sharing her life with George. She truly was a delight to be with. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Ruth’s memory may donate to the “Eason Scholarship” % WTAMU Foundation, P.O. Box 60766, Canyon, Texas, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Arthritis Foundation. A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at Shalom Church of Christ, 505 McMurray, in Richland, Washington.