Ruth Elizabeth Swallow

Just three weeks shy of her 96th birthday, Ruth Swallow, a woman

of boundless grace and kindness, passed away November 24, peacefully

in her sleep, surrounded by family and the wonderful staff of Caring at

Cordell.

Ruth Elizabeth Lumley was born on December 15, 1929, in Waldwick, New Jersey, to Nelson and

Elizabeth Lumley. She grew up in Waldwick with her younger sister, Joan.

As a young woman, she took the train each day from pastoral

Waldwick to New York City where she worked for several years as a typist.

While on vacation on Nantucket Island, she caught the eye of a

handsome journeyman printer by the name of Earl Swallow, who had just

taken a job in California. The two began a long distance romance fueled

by letters written daily, until Ruth moved out west to marry Earl and to

settle in Wenatchee.

They opened the family business, Swallowline Printing in 1964 and operated from their

East Wenatchee location for the next twenty-eight years, during which

time they raised six children together.

Devoted to their family and to each other, they were married for

forty-five years until Earl's passing in 2005.

A woman of strong faith, Ruth was a long-time member of St.

Joseph's Catholic church.

She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, garage saling, spending

time with her grandchildren, and helping others whenever the

opportunity arose. Over the years she dedicated herself to many

charitable causes including making hats for the Union Gospel Mission,

quilts for Seattle's Children's Hospital, and Christmas stockings for her

local CASA group.

She will be remembered as someone who was incredibly thoughtful,

caring, and selfless, and a shining example to all she encountered.

She leaves behind one beloved sister, Joan Powers, and six adoring

children and their spouses; Tom Swallow (Audrey Winslow), Gerry

Swallow, Liz (Dan) Johnson, Dan (Martha) Swallow, Theresa (Larry)

Fleming, and Amy (Todd) Kiesz and 18 grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, at 11:00

a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, memorial

contributions may be made to KC Help, 625-B South Elliott Ave.

Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home.