Ruth Finnegan

1929 - 2016

July 4, 1929 - April 7, 2016 Ruth (Buzzard) Finnegan passed away in Clifden, Ireland on April 7, 2016. She was born in Everett, Washington on July 4, 1929 to Josefina and Alfred Skogen. Ruth had one loving older brother, Leif G. Skogen, who preceded her in death in 1967. She married Charles "Chuck" (Finnegan) Buzzard in 1951 and he preceded her in death in 1977. Ruth leaves her two children: Lynn M. Brix of Glendale, Ariz. and Steven S. Buzzard of Philadelphia, Pa. She also leaves behind her nieces: Jennie Manders of La Canada, Calif. and Margo Kuhn of Surprise, Ariz.; Jennie's daughter, (her great niece) Lisa Ortega and Lisa's daughter, (her great, great niece) Leila Ortega. Ruth also leaves behind many wonderful friends in Clifden, Ireland. Ruth suffered a debilitating stroke in 1972 which permanently paralyzed her right side. She had to learn to speak, read, and walk; and she never fully recovered. Ruth, however, was fearless (and, as her husband, Chuck, used to say, "a stubborn Norwegian") so after Chuck died she took classes and began to write a novel. She also legally changed her name to Chuck's birth name (Finnegan). Then she packed up all of her things and moved to Clifden, Ireland where she remained, with the exception of one year, when she returned to Everett (1984-1985), until her death. Ruth requested no services and was cremated in Dublin, Ireland but her family will bring her ashes home to Everett, Wash. Ruth Finnegan's family would also like to publicly thank the entire staff of Clifden District Hospital for the loving and respectful attention they provided Ruth over the many months she was in their care. We would also like to thank the Reverend Stan Evans and Christ Church, in Clifden, Ireland, for their prayers and care of Ruth and her family.