Ruth Viola Winchester Shook closed her eyes for the last time on March 8, 2025. When she opened them, she could see clearly for the first time in over 50 years and her first vision was of Jesus and all the glory of heaven.
Ruth was born on October 27, 1935, to Abraham and Ethel May Reid Winchester. She was one of 4 siblings. Although she loved her brothers Robert and Gilbert, she and her sister Mary had a bond like none other. Mary was largely responsible for raising her little sister, a duty that she lovingly continued all the days of Ruth’s life.
Ruth met the love of her life at a fencing class, and the rest is history. Ruth and Gayle were wed on March 5, 1960, and their marriage was deeply rooted in their love for each other and their Savior until Gayle’s passing in 2008. What an amazing reunion it must have been as Gayle welcomed her home. The dance that followed was surely legendary.
Their dreams of being parents came true when their son Todd was born. Ruth was a keypunch operator at Hanford but stepped away as her vision problems began, which enabled her to be a full-time mom to Todd. She loved her nieces as her own and spent countless days raising them side by side with Mary.
In addition to her family Ruth’s passions included Edith Bischel Blind Center, Richland’s Redeemer Lutheran Church, gardening, and caring for others. Ruth lived a full and active life and was fiercely independent.
Ruth will be missed by the family she left behind: her precious son, Todd, and his wife, Beth; her grandchildren, Courtney Shook, Nick Shook, Alyssa Smith and Robbie Suffron; great grandson Wyatt Darst; countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; friends that she loved like family, and her sister and best friend Mary Thomas.

Services will be held Saturday, March 15 beginning at 2pm at Einan’s at Sunset Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Richland’s Redeemer Lutheran Church or United Blind of Tri Cities (unitedblindoftricities@gmail.com).
The best way you can honor her memory is to have faith like hers so that we can all see her again with heavenly eyes.