Ruth Herren passed away peacefully at her beloved home on the Cowlitz Prairie on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, at 102 years of age. She was born April 14, 1919, in Centralia, Washington, to John and Beulah (Fountain) Frykholm. She graduated from Centralia High School in 1937 and earned her two-year degree from Centralia College. Ruth continued her education at Western Washington University and earned her teaching certificate. Her 35-year career began in Centralia, followed by teaching at the Toledo and Vader schools. Ruth worked for Boeing in Seattle on summer breaks during WWII as a quality control inspector checking wing assemblies on the B-17 Flying Fortress.
She met her future husband, Robert Douglas Herren, at the roller skating rink in Centralia. They married July 13, 1947, settling on their own farm, where Ruth and Robert spent the rest of their lives.
Ruth was active in the Toledo Presbyterian Church, Cowlitz Prairie Grange, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Toledo Garden Club, and was a volunteer literacy tutor.
Ruth is survived by her daughters Christine (Peter) Watkins and Mary Jo Pierce; four grandchildren David Watkins, Andrea Watkins, Dameon Pierce, and Leanna Elofson; and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17 at the Toledo Presbyterian Church. If you are able to attend, please help us honor COVID-19 guidelines by wearing a mask and observing social distancing rules.
Ruth’s family would like to thank her loving caregivers — it is because of them that she was able to remain at her home.
