Ruth Louise Fugate,92, of Centralia, went peacefully to her Lord on Jan. 2, 2024, at her home in Centralia, Washington.
Ruth, the second of six children, was born in Portland, Maine, on Jan. 28, 1931, to parents Frank Clayton and Florence Madeline Wood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oleph, son David, sisters Lorraine and Patricia, and brothers Tommy and Butchie.
Ruth was active at Portland High School, participating in badminton, basketball, softball and tennis. Ruth graduated in 1949. After high school she worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance before joining the Navy during the Korean War. While stationed at Norfolk Naval Station working in communications, Ruth met Oleph Fugate, and they married in 1954. Ole and Ruth soon began their lifelong adventure together and moved to Washington state in 1956. After living in Seattle, Puyallup, Eatonville and Minnesota, Ruth and Ole, along with their four children, and one Labrador, landed in Centralia in 1972.
Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. Ruth was a steadfast partner with Ole on many farming activities. Ruth utilized her caring nature and determination to take charge of raising dairy and beef calves, as many as 75 at one time, while Ole worked construction. Ruth and Ole enjoyed playing cards with their close friends, the Milbradts, from Eatonville. After moving to Centralia, one of Ruth’s hobbies was reading, which led to an opportunity to work at and assist managing a bookstore at the Lewis County Mall. Ruth also fell in love with Shetland sheepdogs while living in Centralia. She had three Shelties over the years that were her close companions. She shared her kindred spirit with grandsons David and Corey. She loved hearing about their adventures as she watched them transform from infants to young adults. After her children were grown, Ruth enjoyed yearly visits with her relatives in Maine. She loved the adventures with her sister Audrey and Audrey’s husband, Ronnie. Ruth’s niece Susan and nephews Ronnie Jr. and James always welcomed Ruth and gave her lasting, heartfelt memories. Ruth had many friends that she met over the years. Good times were had at Judy’s Country Kitchen where she regularly met with her “breakfast club.”
She is survived by her sister Audrey Leonard, of Bonita Springs, Florida; son Daniel Fugate (Tami), of Centralia; daughter Donna Moss (Jack), of Tumwater; son Donald Fugate (Brenda), of Ethel; grandsons David, of Newberg, Oregon, and Corey (Tracee), of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; and step-granddaughter Brittany Huebner of Humble, Texas; step-grandson Steve Moss,of Shoreline; and step-granddaughter Diane Graf, of Olympia. Ruth also has one great-grandson, three step-great-grandsons, four step-great-granddaughters and three step-great-great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Sharon Care Assisted Living Center and its entire staff for their tremendous support and loving care. Also, thank you to Assured Hospice of Centralia and its wonderfully caring staff. Graveside services will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation would be much appreciated.
