Ruth Kendrick Gilder Temple February 7, 1921-December 18, 2013

Ruth Kendrick Gilder Temple passed away December 18, 2013, at Guardian Angel homes in Richland after a short illness. She was the youngest of five children born to Edward Jackson Gilder and Anne Ruffin Pegram in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, February 7, 1921. The others in the family had been born in Alabama as the family had moved to Oklahoma shortly before Ruth's birth. She was raised in Okmulgee skipping second grade and graduating as valedictorian of her Okmulgee High School class in 1938 where she was known as Ruth Anne. During her senior year she participated in the Oklahoma Interscholastic competition sponsored by Oklahoma University placing third in the US History and first in the English grammar competition. She attended Okmulgee Junior College receiving an Associate of Arts degree in 1940 graduating Magna Cum Laude. During World War II she worked in an army hospital located near Okmulgee and later was a teller and a bookkeeper at Citizens' Bank in Okmulgee.

While in High School she met Lewis A. Jack Temple at a dance. They were married on October 19, 1946, at Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Okmulgee. They initially lived in Oklahoma City as Jack was doing graduate work in biology at the Oklahoma University Medical School. In 1948 they joined Jack's brother Gene and his family who had moved to Richland, Washington two years before. Later that same year Jack's mom and dad also immigrated to Richland as did her sister Cecile and her family in 1951. Ruth thoroughly enjoyed the many family get togethers and picnics especially for holidays or the birthdays of the members of the four households in the 1950's and early 1960's until transfers and deaths resulted in separations. She had been a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church since arriving in town and loved the parish. She taught Church School and for many years, using her bookkeeping skills, served as church envelope secretary. In the 1950's she participated in what was then the Children's Orthopedic Guild chairing the annual bazaar. Her son remembers being with her riding his tricycle and delivering Penny Drive envelopes. For a long time Ruth enjoyed bridge and joined neighbors and with Jack other couples to play regularly. She loved and loved being with her grandchildren and was always present to support them in their many activities. In the last three years she received great pleasure from getting to hold her great-grandchildren. .

It is sad that over the last few years her great mind waned under the scourge of dementia, and many who have only known her recently did not have the opportunity to connect with the strong self-assured woman that she once was. When Jack developed multiple sclerosis in the early 1950's, the two decided that it was best to limit themselves to one child an unusual family structure in those days. She not only supported their one son but also encouraged, loved, and educated him to succeed. She never failed to take an interest in his friends and was always adored by them. Her grandchildren have said that she was the original "Tiger Mom." If not that, she was a true southern lady, a real "Steel Magnolia."

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her father and mother, her sisters Lizzidell Laurie Gilder and Cecile Pegram Cazort, also by her brothers Edward Jackson Gilder Jr, and Joseph Abney Gilder, and by nephew Abney Wayne Gilder. She is survived by her son, Edward Houston Temple MD Elizabeth, granddaughter Molly Anne Foley Jason, and grandsons Robert Edward Temple and John Houston Temple Cianna, and great-grandchildren Lorelai Morgan, Brinnon Elizabeth and Easton Daniel Foley. She is also survived by nieces Laurie Elaine Beets, Gertrude Anne Simons, Annis May Hull, Laurie Ruth Dwyer, and Jamie Elizabeth Temple, and by nephews Edward Jackson Gilder III and David Houston Temple.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints' Episcopal Church 1322 Kimball in Richland on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to All Saints' Episcopal Church or to Guardian Angel Homes, 245 Van Giesen, also in Richland where she received wonderful loving care for her last seven months.