Ruth May Evans Scougale

1919 - 2022

In her own words: Ruth May was born on St. Patrick's Day in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia,to be the only child of Ada and Arthur Evans. After happy years at a 2-room elementary school, she entered Somerville House, Brisbane Girls' High School from which she would be graduated in 1935 as Valedictorian. In 1938 she graduated from the University of Queensland, the only university in the state. A year at the State Teachers' Training College followed which led to her teaching at two country high schools before a return to teach at Somerville House during World War II. In the meantime, she also acquired over two years' time, the Diploma of Education from the University of Queensland. In 1943, Ruth May met and married Sgt. Myron Scougale of the U.S. Army, Signal Intelligence Service, thereby becoming a war bride in May of 1944. Daughter Helen was born in Brisbane in 1945. Six weeks later, U.S. service people were sent home. Finally in April of 1946, Ruth May and Helen joined Myron in Everett after being transported by the USS Mariposa along with other war brides. After the birth of son Gordon in 1948 and a summer at the University of Washington in 1951, Ruth May was offered a position at Everett High School where she taught for nine years, followed by sixteen at Cascade High where she was a member of the original faculty in 1960. She retired in 1977 after busy and rewarding years of service with the Everett School District. In 2008 she regained her Australian citizenship, becoming a dual citizen, that was, according to laws at the time, denied in 1951 when she became a U.S. citizen. Ruth May was a member last at Spirit of Grace United Methodist Church before a move to Stanwood where the Our Savior's Lutheran congregation blessed her as well. She was affiliated with and enriched by the International Wives organization (war brides from all over the world, Everett Branch), Washington State Retired Teachers' Association, Church Women United, United Methodist Women and the American Association of University Women. Love encompassed Ruth May all the days of her life, in 58 years of marriage and the company of daughter Helen (Jerry, deceased) and son Gordon (Lynn), grandchildren Heather Teegarden, Robin Garrison, Peter Scougale, and Philip Scougale; great grandchildren: Grant, Brock, Jack and Henry; Sean, Levi, Silas, Caleb, Hannah; Andrew, Colton and Kyla. Services for Ruth May will be at Stanwood United Methodist Church, 27128 102nd Drive NW, Stanwood, WA 98292 at 2 p.m_ on May 9, 2022.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Josephine Caring Community and Providence Hospice for their loving and devoted care toward residents/patients. Contributions in Ruth's name can be made to: Providence Hospice, Housing Hope, Everett's Gospel Mission,

March 17, 1919 - March 13, 2022