Ruth P. English
July 26, 1926 – March 19, 2016
Ruth P. English was born in Seattle, WA. She attended Highline High School and the University of Washington eventually earning her Masters in Education from UC Hayward. She was a proud member of Delta Zeta sorority, Camp Fire Girls and Eastern Star.
Ruth married Royal W. English (3/21/26 – 2/5/2010) in 1946, a 64 year marriage, and enjoyed their children Kathleen (Kitty) English, Wayne English and daughter-in-law-Peggy English. Together they took the family on great adventures, kayaking down the Colorado River, skiing in the Alps and many driving trips while living in Germany and Turkey.
She always encouraged her Wayne and Kitty to do their best and be their best. Wayne took over Royal Clockwork when Royal retired and Kitty retired as a teacher of Special Education from Vashon High School.
Ruth retired from teaching Special Education in 1996, and moved to the island full time in 1996 to live in their dream home on beautiful Luana Beach. While in retirement, she substituted for teachers in Vashon’s middle and high school.
Ruth spent her summers on Vashon Island at the family cabin surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins. She enjoyed attending Camp Sealth, earning the money for her first sleeping bag by picking currents on the island. She was a dishwasher, counselor and bugler while at camp. She learned to canoe at camp which lead to many trips to the Boundary Waters with her life long friends years later.
Ruth enjoyed being with family and summers on the bulkhead with them brought her great joy. Her days were spent cuddling her dogs and watching the tide. She also enjoyed playing her French Horn and was a member of several concert bands over the years.
Ruth is preceded in death by her father, Ivan Phillips, her mother, Eloise Phillips, her sisters June Rote and Gwen Jacobus and her brother-in-law,
Willis Jacobus.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will take place in the summer sun on the beach she loved. Memorials may be shared with Seattle CampFire, or Point Robinson Lighthouse Keepers Association. Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.
