Ruth Elaine Shepardson Adams, 76, of Toledo, Wash., departed Gods earth unexpectedly July 1, 2018, at her residence on Rogers and Mandy Rd.
She was an extraordinary person of many talents. Ruth painted with oils, carved wood, crochet and knitted, rode 4 wheel ATV’s and owned her own trike motorcycle traveling to all the Canadian Provinces and all the states except the lower seven. In the home are displayed many of her landscape paintings; she crocheted and knitted many things for family members. Ruth carved from wood many mountain man faces, Santa’s and a host of other carvings.
Ruth was born in Chehalis, Wash., June 29, 1942. She graduated from Toledo High School in 1960, and departed for Oregon State University to continue her higher education. After a couple of years, other interests overcame her and she started her family in Tangent, Ore., and she became a contract/purchasing employ of the United States Government at Adair Air Force Station in Corvallis, Ore., where she met her husband, who was an Air Force sergeant, stationed at Adair. Ruth continued her education over the years and graduated from University of Wyoming with her master’s degree in business management. Over the 51 years of marriage together with Wayne and son, Daniel, she visited many foreign countries and military bases in the United States, where she found employment as a contract purchasing agent.
Upon her retirement and a 40 plus year hiatus fro Toledo, she and her family returned to build a home on property that has been in the family since 1872, raising and showing registered Pinzauer cattle and farming hay. She was a member of LYSC, Daughters of Washington Poineers, a lifetime member of Cowlitz Prairie Grange and past master of Lone Yew Grange. She is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Red Hats, (Lady Vroom Vroom) and the secretary and/or treasurer of several organizations. Ruth was a lifelong member of the Toledo Presbyterian Chruch, sang in the choir and once sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She leaves behind her husband, Wayne Adams; older brother, Harlan (shep) P. Shepardson and wife, Kay; along with nieces and nephews; son, Daniel W. Steen and wife, Laurie; granddaughter, Elizabeth; and a host of friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Harlan and Selma Shepardson; and older sister, Marie Shepardson.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 16, 2018, at the Toledo Presbyterian Church, with a potluck to follow. Pastor Joel Whiteside will be officiating.
