I always identified with my grandma and my mom. The 3 of us have so many similar attributes, yet I always knew that physically I was not superior in comparison. But what if I am!? What if I am exactly them in every way?
January 10th the family held a memorial to honor Oma. My uncle Mac did a slide show of her entire life showing all sides of her. Her athletic side, her teaching, her traveling, her gardening, her contagiously happy spirit!
It was incredible to watch photo after photo, seeing the familiartiry of me in my grandma and mom. I've taken away a better sense of who I am!
There is a strength in us Davis women that stands out. We know it and we love it.
She's working through me to help me rediscover and know me. Because we are so similar in many ways, she feels strongly about helping me, she knows be better than I know myself. I am allowing this all to flow from beyond and allowing it to be.
Ruth VanArsdale Davis
Ruth VanArsdale DAVIS Born July 14, 1915 in Pueblo, CO Died December 29, 2009 at Mercer Island, WA A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 3:30p.m. at Covenant Shores Lodge, 9150 Fortuna Drive, Mercer Island WA. Additional parking with shuttle service will be available at M.I. City Hall. Ruth grew up in Tacoma WA, graduating from Stadium High School where she was active in athletics, the school play, and service clubs. After earning her bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Washington, Ruth taught at Shelton High School. In 1939 she married John MacDougall Davis. Ruth and John made their first home in Seattle, and later enjoyed the greater part of 70 years together on Mercer Island. As a dedicated mother, Ruth raised six children, all of whom live in the Pacific Northwest. She nourished them with homegrown vegetables and handmade garments, and she encouraged their higher education. Ruth felt her children provided her greatest joy and lasting legacy. When not directly involved with family Ruth grew beautiful roses and rhododendrons; she earned the Mountaineers Six Peak pin for climbing the six major peaks in Washington; and she carved from wood fine masks and other objects in the Pacific Northwest Native American tradition. The consummate angler, she caught while others fished. Ruth incorporated her appreciation for color, texture, and the natural world into her daily life. Organizations in which Ruth enjoyed membership and service were Alpha Phi Sorority, Mortar Board Service Honorary, the Arboretum Foundation, Totem Girl Scout Council, Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, The Mountaineers, the Women's University Club and the Covenant Shores community, where she lived for the past nineteen years. Ruth taught by example the values of hard work, self-sufficiency, dedication, and patience. She demonstrated many of these values through a "pioneering" effort at the family beach property on Port Gamble Bay in Kitsap County. Ruth nurtured her beautiful gardens with loving care, and filled her sustaining friendships with gracious warmth. She found the good in people, and brought out the best in each person with whom she crossed paths. Ruth's warm smile will be missed by many family members and friends. Ruth is survived by John MacDougall Davis, her husband of 70 years, and her six children. These include Jean Davis Burpee of Roseburg OR, John M. Davis, Jr., JD of Port Orchard WA, Bruce V. Davis, MD, MDiv of Seattle WA, Ann Davis Palmason of Mercer Island WA, Margaret Davis Philbrick of Mercer Island WA, and Elizabeth Davis of Seattle WA. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who live in WA, CO, CA, ID, TX, and Japan. The Davis family thanks Covenant Shores administrators and staff for providing Ruth with heartfelt support and comfort during her final months. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice. Interment is at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Bellevue WA. Published in The Seattle Times from January 5 to January 11, 2010
