RUTH ANN SEDLACEK, 80, a longtime Pullman resident passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA. Ruth was born March 2, 1932, in Pocahontas County, Iowa to George & Mabel (Lynn) Pirie, the oldest of seven children. Ruth grew up on the family farm where she helped significantly in the raising of her brothers and sisters. Following her graduation from high school, Ruth attended the University of Iowa where she met Gordon Sedlacek. They were married on December 29, 1951. Ruth graduated in 1954 from the University of Iowa with her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing. The family came to Pullman, WA in 1962 when Gordon accepted an appointment to the faculty at Washington State University. Ruth continued her career as an RN, first at Pullman Memorial Hospital and later with the practice of Dr’s Claude Weitz and Dennis Simpson. She continued working at the clinic until her retirement after 30 years of dedicated service. Ruth was an advisor to the Delta Gamma Sorority, and a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), the Congregational Church, and the Clarkston Country Club, where she served as the president of the club’s women’s group. She was also active in the Pullman women’s golf association, serving as president for a time. Ruth also served as the second president of the Tuscany Condominium Association. Ruth was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, never missing an event, especially the grandkids’ graduations. Ruth loved playing golf and bridge, walking with her friends, and traveling. She especially enjoyed trips with Gordon to Ramona and Palm Springs each winter as well as trips to Australia, Brazil and Alaska. Ruth was a lifelong Cougar supporter. She is survived by her loving husband Gordon at their Pullman home; her two sons Craig (Nancy) of Olympia and Steve (Kathy) of Boise, ID; her grandchildren Matt, Dan, Kate, Mark Sedlacek and Anna (Sedlacek) Looper and husband Kyle; her brothers James (Dorothy), Edward (Laurine) and Robert (Betty Rae) Pirie; and her sisters Helen Smith; Nancy Strickler and Judy (Sam) Sorsby. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Banyan’s At the Ridge Pavilion in Pullman, Washington. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is caring for the family. Memorial donations are suggested to the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation, 835 SE Bishop Blvd., Pullman, WA 99163; Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 525 NE Campus St., Pullman, WA 99163; the P.E.O. Chapter FI in care of Cathy George, 313 NW Harrison St., Pullman, WA 99163, or to a charity of choice.
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