Ruth C. Day

RUTH C. DAY
April 7, 1926 ˜ December 29, 2025

Ruth Clara Day, aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025 in Battle Ground, Washington. Ruth was born on April 7, 1926 to Otto and Ella (Falk) Bachmann and grew up on Big Pine Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
After leaving home, she worked in the Civil Service until the end of World War II. She then moved to Boulder, Colorado, graduating from the University of Colorado in three years with a degree in Fine Arts. While attending school, she met and married her beloved husband, Francis (Frank) Day, a young Naval officer. Ruth and Frank were married for over sixty years.
Ruth’s life as a “Naval Wife” included fifteen duty stations worldwide. Following Frank’s retirement from the Navy they continued to travel extensively, including an around-the-world voyage by ship that reflected their shared love of exploration and global cultures.
Later in life, Ruth and Frank made their home in Battle Ground, Washington where they enjoyed growing apples, berries, tomatoes, and all manner of garden flowers and vegetables. There, they oversaw the renovation of a century-old barn and loved showing it off to family and friends.
Ruth was an avid tennis player with a wicked forehand. She was also a very talented swimmer no water was too cold for a couple of quick laps. She was a skillful baker and canner, an accomplished seamstress, and a devoted gardener with a keen eye for landscaping. She loved the outdoors hiking, swimming, and spending time on or near the water. Ruth was also an ardent reader and a gifted writer who took special joy in sending thoughtful letters and postcards to her family. She was an enthusiastic collector of beautiful artwork, objets d’art, and furniture, showcasing her treasures from around the globe in her lovely home.
Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her daughter, Laurie, her parents Otto and Ella, and numerous brothers and sisters. Ruth is survived by her sons, Robin Day and Brian Day, her grandchildren, Julie Janku, Brian Janku, Andrea Howard, Jenna Wakenight, Stefanie Day, and Lisa Eagleson, and her great grandchildren, Ming, Toby, Kiki, and Casey.
Ruth will be remembered for her sharp wit, quiet strength, polished elegance, and unwavering love for her family. Her long life was one well-lived, engaging in endless appreciation of the beauty the world has to offer. She leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, grace, and generosity.
Memorial services for Ruth will be held at 2 P.M. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Layne’s Funeral Home in Battle Ground, Washington. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Audubon Society or the National Park Service.
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