Ruth Elaine Timpke

January 11, 1936 - April 29, 2018

Ruth Timpke, 82 of Ephrata passed away peacefully April 29, 2018 at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, Washington. Ruth was born in Minnesota to Jack and Theda, one of 14 children. Ruth was always surrounded by animals and loved her cats and dogs fiercly. Many of her stories of growing up included little antidotes of dogs and cats and she always had at least a few house cats, dogs and many strays that she fed on her porch. One of the things that this hard working, sassy and strong lady impressed on her children and grandchildren was her outstanding work ethic, sometimes working two jobs. Ruth worked for many years in the bakery, restaurant and grocery store industry. She will be remembered for her feisty and generous spirit and her capacity to not only survive many hardships but to flourish despite them. Ruth is survived by her children James O’Daniel of Spokane, Marty Nelson and husband Shannon of Ephrata, Joyce Harmon and Husband Cliff of Ephrata, John Goggin of Ephrata, Jennifer Bewick and Husband Dave of Coulee Coulee City, Melinda Steiner and Husband Keven of Wenatchee; step daughters Angie D’avino and Husband Bob of Gig Harbor, Melissa Aragon of Port Orchard, Carol Jahn and Husband Eric or Port Orchard; Grandchildren Alisa, Justin, Danny, Mandy, John, Mike, Amity, Sean, Josh, Joey, Breana, Amber, Brandie, Miranda, Quinten, Shayla, Kylie, Micah, Garrett, Gabriel, Grant and 23 great grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, seven of her siblings, her husband Glenn Timpke and great granddaughter Jayda. Services will be held at Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata at 1:00 P.M. Friday, May 4, 2018 with graveside services following.