Ruth Susanne Bierlein, of Richland, WA, peacefully died of complications related to Alzheimer’s disease in her home on February 23rd, with family members by her side.

Born in Norman, Nebraska, on August 4th, 1924, Ruth was the daughter of Susan and Charles Boasen and the sixth of their seven children. After growing up in Nebraska, Ruth and the Boasen family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where she graduated from high school. She pursued vocational training and moved to Seattle where she was employed as a bank teller. It was in Seattle that she met her future husband and lifelong best friend, Theo “Ted” Bierlein. Ruth and Ted were married, moved to Richland, and became some of the early “pioneers” of this community. Richland remained their home for over 56 years and it was here that they raised all six of their children.

Ruth was a gentle, kind, thoughtful and loving mother. She created a home environment that made all who entered feel welcome and valued. She expressed her caring for others in many ways, but one way that stands out to all those lucky enough to sit down at her table was her outstanding cooking. How she could calmly prepare delicious and varied dishes each night--enough to feed her family and the many hungry friends of her children who happened to stop by--is truly a wonder.

Ruth’s commitments to her Faith and to her family were inspirational. She attended Richland Lutheran Church and was a wonderful example of Jesus’ love.

Ruth enjoyed many pursuits, most often with her loving husband, Ted, by her side, such as tennis, snow skiing, walking, swimming, and traveling the world. As busy as she might have been, Ruth always had the ability to see the value of simple pleasures, such as the beauty of nature, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, or a loving embrace.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brothers and sisters, Calvin Boasen, Margaret Hall, Delma Buckingham, Faye Schafer, Hazel Boasen and Jack Boasen. Ruth is survived by her six children, John Sherry Mathers Bierlein of Seattle, WA, Jim Suzanne Bierlein of Castle Rock, WA, Karla Bierlein Greg Mitchell of Enfield, CT, Tom Bierlein of Mercer Island, WA, Judi Myron Stamey of Stanwood, WA, and Sherri Jim Williamson of Richland, WA. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Peggy Boasen of Richland, Elfriede Henry Wuckert of Gleneden Beach, OR, nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will think of her bright smile whenever we watch the vibrant sky painted by a colorful sunset; we will be reminded of her gentle spirit, by the quiet opening of spring’s beautiful flowers, and we will hear her warm laugh in the rustling rush of the breeze.

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ~Washington Irving

A special note of appreciation is extended to Ruth’s individual caregivers, the Visiting Angels Staff, and the Hospice Staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Neurological Resource Center, 712 Swift Blvd. Suite 1, Richland, WA 99352 or The Chaplaincy and Hospice, 2108 W Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.