Ruth Alice LaBouy passed away peacefully after a brief battle with sepsis on Sept. 10,
2021. Ruth, or how she liked to be called, Ali, was born on June 12, 1947, to Theodore
and Jean Albertowicz in Richland, Washington. A graduate of Richland High School, Ali
went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from
Eastern Washington University and completed her principal’s credentials.

A lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities, Ali served her community as a beloved teacher for
over 28 years. She taught kindergarten, third and sixth grades, finishing her career
teaching science, math and French at Horse Heaven Hills Middle School in Kennewick,
Washington. After retiring in 2012, Ali spent time traveling, playing cribbage and
enjoying life with her longtime partner, Gary Faust.

Artfully balancing career and motherhood, Ali proudly raised two sons. She opened her
home to all their friends, cooking for them and becoming a “second mom” to many. She
also had two grandchildren and enjoyed spending as much time with them as she could.
She loved taking her entire family on trips and great adventures, and bragged about her
children and grandchildren to all who would lend an ear.

Ali truly had a green thumb, making sure to always have the most beautiful flower
garden in the neighborhood. She also had an unending love for animals, often caring for
strays and naming all of her pets after flowers. An avid runner and skier in her younger
years, Ali developed a love for golf later in life, ultimately meeting her love in life on the
course.

Ali was a generous and dedicated community servant, mother, grandmother, partner,
sister and friend. She is survived by her significant other Gary Faust, her sister Ann
Tabasinske, her son Brian Kirkpatrick, her son Kevin Kirkpatrick and his wife Jeanette
Kirkpatrick, and her grandchildren, Katie and Kris Kirkpatrick. A celebration of life will
be from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 2 at Sunset Gardens in Richland, Washington.