Ruth Helene Hammer

In the days immediately following the passing of our mom, Karl and I were reminiscing how our mom had once told us how much she disliked her name in her younger schoolgirl years. While, at that time, she had thought of her name as old fashioned or outdated, she told us that she eventually felt honored to share the name of a woman of such significance in the Bible. The woman's name, of course, was Ruth.
It was after this conversation with Karl, that I, consumed with curiosity, decided to do some research to learn more about the special woman from whom our mom's name was derived.
The Book of Ruth tells the story of a woman who was faithfully devoted to family and her faith, a woman who placed serving others first and foremost above herself. As I read the story of the loyalty, kindness and personal sacrifice of Ruth in the Bible, it became clear to me why our mom was so honored and proud to have been named Ruth. Much like her namesake, Ruth, in the Bible, our mother was an extremely devoted wife and mother, a tireless worker, and a faithful friend to all. She loved her family totally and unconditionally, and she loved her Lord and her church. She was always a guiding light to Karl and me, instilling in both of us a strong sense of Christian morals and beliefs and an appreciation for compassion and service to others who may be less fortunate than us.
Like the biblical Ruth, our mom was always putting others first and foremost above herself, and she was faithfully devoted to her God until the very end. The words of the biblical Ruth speak loudly to the faithful and devoted character of our mom: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried."
While we will miss her kind and gentle spirit, her smile, her nurturing counsel and advice, especially during this Christmas season, we take comfort knowing that that Christmas represents the birth of Christ, and that we had the privilege and honor to share many Christmases with our mom in celebration of His birth and the promise of eternal life that he has bestowed upon us. Our mom taught us that Christmas means much more than wrapped presents under the tree and that the greatest gift of all is God's gift of eternal life, peace and comfort in the kingdom of heaven. While we continue to mourn the loss of our mom from this earthly existence, we can all be comforted to know that our mom has received HER greatest gift this Christmas season, and that she has reaped HER divine reward for a life well lived.
While mom was always the first to offer her heartfelt celebration or congratulation for the birthdays and special achievements or milestones of others, she was much less enthusiastic to bask in the celebration of her own birthdays or special milestones. Because our mother was not big on celebrations and pomp and circumstance in her honor, I know that mom right now is looking down on us from her seat in heaven, very humbled, if not somewhat embarrassed, at the huge outpouring of love and respect for her shown by all of us gathered here today.
How ironic and paradoxical it is that only through the act of earthly death does one obtain the key to the kingdom of heaven and etermal life. So, friends and family of Ruth, let's mourn her passing from this earthly existence, but, at the same time, also rejoyce her grand ascension into the kingdom of heaven.
Mom, you have lived the great life and we will love and miss you each and every day, and we will look forward to that special time when we will be together once again in God's kingdom.
- Eulogy read by Austin Olin at Memorial Service for Ruth Helen Hammer (12/10/2011)

Sorry to hear of Auntie Ruth's passing. I have fond memories of visiting the Hammer family with my mom (Eva). May your feelings of loss and emptiness be replaced in time, with all the happy times & memories that you had together.

I am Tom Phillips, Ruthie's nephew. I am Clara's son, who is Ruthie's older sister. My brother Mark and sisters Stephanie and Nancy were very fortunate to have Ruthie as an aunt. We thought she was the best. But I'm sure everyone that knew her thought of her as the best 'something', aunt, sister, mother, wife, friend, helpe. She was a great mother which is evident if you know Anders and Karl. And a great wife as Agnar can attest to. And of course, she was a best friend to all of us here today.

But from my perspective her best role was that as Aunt. She was such a kind, caring and supportive person. She always showed an interested in what we were doing and always kept track of the latest events in our lives. She was always asking what we were up to with genuine interest and love.

I have many fond memories of Ruthie, among my favorites are the Summer on Lopez Island as a child and in West Seattle when Ruthie would take us to Alkai beach which often included an ice cream cone or a stop at Spuds. She was also a great cook. I always looked forward to her desserts.... especially her Banana Cream pie, which was my favorite.

So as Ruth was many things to each of us, more important than being an aunt or mother or wife or friend, she is a child of God with a faith that could move mountains, who showed us of how to live, love and to serve others.

Thank you Ruthie!

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Ruth will always have a place in our memory.
Regards from Olaf and family in Tromsoe

Blessed to be related to such an amazing and kind woman. Agnar you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Comforted knowing Ruth is home with God and at peace. She is deeply missed.

"Ruth was a wonderful woman, our hearts ache for you. We know Ruth is in a better place, but we also know that the ones left here will always miss her.
May your wonderful memories keep you strong, you were blessed to have had her in your lives."

Tom and Minnie Thornton( Mukilteo)

Ruth you hold a very special place in all of our hearts. We'll cherish the beautiful memories you have given to Anders, myself, Austin and Brandon. We know you will be our beautiful Guardian Angel, watching over all of us. We love you and will miss you. We are so blessed with all the wonderful memories you've given us.

We are so sorry to hear that Ruth has died. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Agnar, Karl and Anders and families,
We are so thankful to have known your dear Ruth. She was one of a kind: so gentle and kind, always caring for others, loving God and serving Him. She made the world a better place. Her touch brought about beauty, whether in her garden or in the lives of others. She will be missed greatly, especially her smile, delightful laugh and thoughtful ways.
Love, Keith and Frances

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts in this sad time, especially Agnar and the boys. We are so happy we visited you last summer. Love from all of my family.

Dear Karl,
Our thoughts are with you. We are so glad that we got a chance to know her.
Love, Bill and susann Holmes

Agnar, Karl, Anders, and family...These few words cannot express our heartfelt sympathy for your family. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Magnar Warness

Colleen and Karsten Warness

We were lucky and honored to have known Ruthy. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful woman in our lives. In the words of my brother Kent Holmes:
Every time you cry we cry together
Every smile of mine is yours to have
Every day the sun shines down upon us
The love we share was blessed by God's own hand
And as the starry sky revolves aout this eartly plane
I'll say good-bye to until the day begins again
And if by chance we meet in dreams
I'll take you by the hand
We'll sail away to far and better lands.
All our Love to your Family,
Tracie, Burch and Morgan Baylor