Ruth O. Eggleston, a long-time Vashon elementary school teacher, died March 14, 2003, as a result of complications from Parkinson’s disease. She was 81 years old.

Many of her former students recall how Mrs. Eggleston thrilled them with stories about dragons especially and how she gave out small dragon-shaped jewel trinkets to reward them for their imagination and enthusiasm for learning.

To this day, one 28-year-old island man studying to be a doctor, keeps that dragon jewels with him at all times, his mother said.

“She made second grade fun. She had a way about her that was creative. I remember studying dragons. I really enjoyed her as a teacher,” said former student Phil Spencer, now owner of Flash Photo.

Mrs. Eggleston was one of the teachers who helped create what now is the third grade music program and the program was no ordinary event. It was full of music and dancing and became a signature annual event for the school.

Mrs. Eggleston imparted her love of music on to her daughter, Kat Eggleston, a guitar player and singer and professional musician.

To her daughter, the real joy of her mother was that her mother’s life contained so much love.

Her daughter decided to leave out many of the facts of her life to focus on that thought in a tribute to her mother.

But Kat Eggleston also noted that her mother’s life was rich and included a stint as the first voice of the animated character “Gumby.”

Mrs. Eggleston also had an enduring sense of magic that she generously shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She loved teaching, singing, reading, and above all, family and friends.

Mrs. Eggleston was married to her husband, Al, for 56 years.

She was the best of all possible friends, and her daughter says she will always be honored that she was her mother.

A memorial service will be later.