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Ruth Ross Obituary
Ruth Ann ROSS Age 47, of Shoreline passed away on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 after a long battle with brain cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl E. Meitzen and Margaret Meitzen-Higgins. She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years Christopher Ross, her daughters Emily and Clara, a brother Steven C. Meitzen of Tampa Fl., thirteen nieces and nephews, and many other family members throughout the country. Ruth was born April 19th, 1961 in Seattle, WA, and moved to Lincoln, NE in 1966 where she graduated from Lincoln Southeast. After high school Ruth returned to Seattle to attend the University of Washington where she received her B.A in Public Communication in 1984. That is also where she met and fell in love with Chris. Ruth was very active in her daughters' daily lives. In between their many activities Ruth made time to work with Ryther Child Center League as well as volunteering for the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a support organization for kids with celiac disease. She loved entertaining her friends and family. She was a passionate cook who would only brag about her title as the "Salad Queen." She loved all outdoor experiences and various trips she took with her family and friends. Most of all, Ruth loved people. She was so positive and upbeat about life and she felt the best when she was with others. In 1998 Ruth joined North Western Financial Network, where she worked until the present. She respected and loved all those she worked with, both co-workers and clients. For the past year and a half, cancer has been a big part of the Ross family. While a care giver for her husband Chris, and as a patient, Ruth truly appreciated the various Swedish Hospital facilities, with which she came in contact. She became an active supporter of the new Swedish Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment. She would like any remembrance to be made to the following: Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, 747 Broadway, Seattle WA 98122 Viewing will be on Sunday May 11th and Monday May 12th, from 11am to 6pm and a Rosary will be held on Monday May 12th starting at 6:30 pm. The Visitation and Rosary will be held at Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave N. Seattle, WA. Phone 206.362.5200 A Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday May 13th at 10 AM at Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds. 760 Aloha St. Edmonds, WA 98020. A reception will be held after mass at the Holy Rosary parish hall.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Ross
Lisa Rogers
May 4, 2022
Oh Ruthie, I want you to know I think of you often and so appreciate all you shared of yourself. I pray for your girls that they can find some peace as not having you in their lives must be incredibly difficult. Your love for them was evident in everything you did. I light candles for you and will always remember you.
Steven Meitzen
May 6, 2019
I love you Ruth and miss you. It hurts like it was yesterday not 11 years ago. I think of you every day, your laugh and smile. I hope you can see us down here working, living and missing you! Your kids are doing great I am so proud of them. I am going to stop now before I cry love, Steven & Tracey
Vanessa Murray
June 13, 2008
To Emily and Clara,
Your mother is an angel. She was an incredible person. I had the pleasure of meeting her over six years ago thru a mutual friend. She met with me on several occasions first as a prospect then as a friend helping me to network with other professional women and then finally, she convinced me that I was a good fit to be a financial representative. Because of her, I joined Northwestern Mutual. I was moved by her persistency, passion for helping people and building long-lasting relationships with everyone she comes into contact with. Her spirit will live on forever. She was am amazing person. God bless you both and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
anna & lynwood farr
June 12, 2008
We were clients of Ruth's for several years and just this week learned of her and her husband's passing. Our condolences go out to her family and we wish you ability to always remember the best of them both as the years go by.
Bill and Rhonda Salvesen
June 2, 2008
To the Ross Family, our hearts and prayers go out to you. Ruth was a classy and wonderful lady. As her clients, we just found out this morning of her passing. We will truly miss her. To her children, you were the sunshine of her life. She talked about you whenever we met for business. Continue to let her wisdom live on through you.
Becky Orozco
May 30, 2008
To the Ross Family: Even though miles separate us, we are still family. Our prayers are for you and you family. May God bless you and keep you.
Susan McAdams
May 27, 2008
Dear Meitzen Family,
Ruth and Chris were the first to welcome us to Seattle over 20 years ago. I will always be grateful to them for that first party invitation and for introducing us to their wonderful friends and our new home in the Northwest.
Ruth's optimism, inner strength and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew - and inevitably - loved her. Our deepest sympathy to Chris, Emily, Clara, Steve, Tracey, Dominique and all the family and friends who were lucky enough to be a part of her all too short life.
Susan McAdams and Gregg Robinson
Scott Stevens
May 20, 2008
Chris, Emily, and Clara,
I met your wife/mom in the late 80's when I first went to work for the "family business" - American/United Chambers. Your brother in law/uncle - Steve - was my boss for a number of years, and we became very close friends over the years. I will always remember Ruth for her charm and her incredible sense of humor. She was truly a delight to be around. My prayers will continue for the 3 of you, and Steven and Tracie. God bless and comfort all of you.
Scott, Karen, Kayleigh Stevens
Omaha, NE
Robby Wallace
May 17, 2008
Ross Family:
Ruth was a wonderful lady who encouraged me (and my wife) to move outside of our comfort zone in order to make our lives better for us and our future family. The changes that we made affected our life for the positive forever. I am glad that she helped give us the courage to move forward. I enjoyed working with her both professionally and personally. May she rest in peace.
Paulo Almeida
May 14, 2008
Dear Ross family, even dow I never meet you, I feel that I got to know you a little bit, just by how Steve and Tracy talked about your family. I can not comprehend what you are going throuth, but your stregth and love, sure speeks for your courage. May God bless you, always. Paulo Almeida
Stacey Stanford
May 14, 2008
I had the pleasure of knowing Ruth as a customer of mine at the Richmond Beach QFC. She was always so warm and kind, and when she smiled and asked me how i was, I knew she meant it. I will miss her in my checkout line. May your loss be filled with loving and fond memories!
Sherri Jefferson
May 14, 2008
My sincerest condolences to the Ross Family. I met Ruth several years ago, just before I was diagnosed with Brain cancer. Ruth was so supportive and kind to me when I was going through my ordeal. I will never forget her kind words, phone calls and cards. She was a very special lady and I know that she will be missed.
Kim Evans
May 13, 2008
When I think about Ruth, I think of the kindest, most genuine person I have ever met. Her love of life and family were expressed through that contagious smile of hers. What a sweet lady...
Gabrielle Childers
May 13, 2008
Chris, Emily, and Clara ~
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss and want you to know that our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. We hope you will always carry within your hearts many happy memories of family time spent in the Methow Valley. There will be a new, bright star in the sky over WolfRidge ~ rest in peace Ruth.
Sincerely,
Lou, Gabrielle, and Jared Childers
Alison, Mark and Rowan Childers-Darwood
Heidi Westling
May 13, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ross family and to all those who love Ruth...there are so many! I met Ruth about 10 years ago and became her client and she always made me feel special. She brought me a book when I had a baby and I always thought that was the nicest thing because she took time out of her busy schedule for me. I always laughed when I was with her. I will miss her!
John Adams
May 13, 2008
Dear Clary, Emily, and Chris:
You are all in my family's thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Ruth's legacy will go on not only with each of you but also with the countless lives she has touched as a result of the financial sercurity planning she did with her clients in her time as a financial representative with The Northwestern Mutual. Many families and future generations of families are better off today because of her time working with them in their insurance planning.
I enjoyed getting to know Ruth through our time together at Northwestern Mutual and when I came up to speak at an agency meeting in January a couple of years ago.
My wife and I enjoy the "love" salad that Ruth made for you Chris when you two first met. We lift all of you up in our prayers.
My life was richer because I called Ruth Ann Ross my friend.
Sincerely,
Grace Peteron
May 12, 2008
Dear Clara, Emily, and Chris, I will always remember the great times I had with your family. Even when i was very little, I remember Ruth being beautiful, funny and smart. Every time, I loved going to your house, Clara and I would play with my sister and Emily, while Ruth and my mom talked at the table. I am so sorry that she had to leave us, but I feel comfort in knowing that she's looking over us right now from a more comfortable place, and I hope you do too.
Debbie Coghill
May 12, 2008
I was so very saddened to read about Ruth Ann. She had helped me in some decisions about investments and she was so sincerely interested and helpful. Her passing is a great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Jeanette Backstrom
May 12, 2008
Dear Ross & Meitzen Family~
I worked for CEM in the mid-eighty's and that’s where I met Ruth. I was saddened to hear of her passing. She was a kind and generous person who made those around her smile. God bless you.
Bill Delap
May 12, 2008
Dear Ross and Meitzen family
Ruth was a very special lady that never lost her sense of humor even while working with me. My time working with UCIP, Ruth, Steve, Carl and many others was a great time in our lives.
We will keep our good memories of Ruth Ann. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill and Vel
Lucie McManus Ollweiler
May 12, 2008
Memories of my childhood with Ruth and my love for her will stay in my heart forever. I send my thoughts and prayers to her wonderful family and friends, confident that her love will be with them always.
Kevin Johnson
May 12, 2008
Chris, Emily and Clara -- Ruth will be terribly missed. She walked into a room with her smile and everything lit up. Our prayers are with you.
Tom Gobeille
May 12, 2008
Chris, Emily, Clara and family,
All of the things being said about Ruth as a wife, mother and friend are true and consistent. She lived life with a mixture of warmth, grace, humor and elegance that was unique to her. She lit up a room with her presence and always made you feel special in conversation. Ruth was interesting to talk to and always interested to know how you were. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Tom and Lee
Lorna Stern
May 12, 2008
I first met Ruth when she was in the sorority with my daughter,Keri Bailey, @ UW. With this group of gals, Keri, Andrea, Lisa, Kim and Ruth, my husband, Jack and I had wonderful times with them when we visited from Anchorage "our college girls" in Seattle. One of my favorite memories of Ruth was when we were all in Honolulu for Lisa's wedding. We gals had some fun lunches together. Jack & I shall always remember beautiful Ruth. Our heartfelt condolences to Chris, Emily and Clara. She's among those shining stars in the sky now and at peace.
Mary Riski
May 12, 2008
Chris and Family - seeing Ruthie's picture yesterday in the paper threw me, even though I haven't seen her in many years. I remember getting together in Winthrop when we lived there a while back, and meeting her for lunch occassionally after we returned to Seattle. From reading other's comments, it is obvious what a striking effect Ruth had on everyone she met, and I will not forget her smile and positive energy. How fortunate you are to have had her in your lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ruth & Roger (a.k.a. the "little ham with legs")
May 12, 2008
Kim Hogle
May 12, 2008
Dear Chris, Emily and Clara,
Ruth was a dear sweet friend of mine at work. She spoke the world of her family. In the last year, I really got to know her well. Ruth, was such a huge inspiration in getting this "Seattle Brain Cancer Walk" off and running. Emily and Clara, I would love to meet you both. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Chris I pray that God gives you strength during this time.
I love your family because I loved Ruth.
Love, Kim Hogle
Spence Robinson
May 12, 2008
Dear Ross & Meitzen Family,
It was a privilege to know and work with Ruth over the past year and a half at NML. She is now and will surely be missed.
Bernita Schaver
May 12, 2008
Chris & family and Steve & family,
My prayers are with each of you during this time of sorrow. We do not know why God takes to his arms loved ones we are not ready to let go of, but we know Ruth is now free from suffering. I will always remember our times at American Chambers working with her, Steve & Tracey and her Dad.
My love to all
Dale and Audrey Gartner
May 12, 2008
Dear Chris, Emily, Clara, and Steve
and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers .
Lisa Rogers
May 12, 2008
Dear Chris, Emily and Clara,
I am privledged to have known your wife/mother. As a college roomate and travelling companion we shared the joys and difficulties of growing into adulthood. I have many fond memories of Ruthie, making beer, navigating the youth hostels in Europe and talking late into the night. Ruth was a wonderful person and someone I will always remember. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sylvia Arnot
May 12, 2008
Dearest Emily & Clara,
Please find comfort in knowing your mother is free of pain and tribulations. She was our family treasure, a spot which you now fill. Please stay in touch with us.
Love, Aunt Sylvia Arnot, cousins L.D. and Rob
Nathalie Padier
May 12, 2008
Dear Chris, Clara and Emily,
My thoughts are with you and your loved ones. I know that Ruth was very much loved and that she will be happy where she is now.
I won't forget Ruth who was so wonderful to everyone she met, she's been a role model to me at work and she still is as she conducted herself so beautifully in her personal life.
I am blessed to have known such an honorable person.
While I live now very far away, be sure my thoughts are with you all as you celebrate Ruth's life.
Warmly,
Nathalie
Keri Bailey
May 11, 2008
I met Ruth in 1979 at the University of Washington at the Kappa Delta Sorority. There was a connection to Ruth right away, one of those mental bonds. Ruth was a Nebraska girl, me an Alaska girl, so we were far from home and had that similarity. Friendships formed and before you knew it Ruth, Moosie, Kim, Andrea and I were the "girls" at the sorority. We had many experiences together that made life impressions on all of us and demonstrated the true meaning of friendship. I will say that over the years life's responsibilities have gotten the best of me and I lost touch with Ruth and her family. It still did not take away the memories and fondness I had bestowed inside myself for Ruth. I have thought of Ruth and her family since the diagnosis of Chris' cancer, Ruth's subsequent development of her brain tumor daily. I have respected their privacy as a family so have not been present, but will forever remember Ruth as the beautiful, loving, funny as hell and the damn good woman she was and always will be in my heart. Ruth you will always live on in all our hearts. May you be at peace and keep on laughing and smiling as you watch over your girls. Love you, Keri
andrea Leinen
May 11, 2008
I have had the pleasure of being Ruth's friend over the past 25 yrs. We shared college, weddings, babies, family illnesses, and countless moments i will always treasure. I feel so fortunate to have her beautiful girls in my life. I look forward to sharing with them my most treasured memories and doing my part to preserve the joy that it has been to have known Ruth's friendship . I extend my thoughts of peace to her family.
robyn davis
May 11, 2008
dearest clara and family, Maddie and I will always remember your sweet, joyful and loving mom. To meet her was to love her.Our thoughts are with you now and always. Robyn Davis and Madelyn Olmstead
Janon Dykes
May 11, 2008
Ruth was a special lady - gracious, thoughtful, kind, hospitable and wise. Her legacy is embodied in these character traits for her lovely daughters Emily and Clara to embrace througout their lives. God bless and hold close the Ross family.
Eileen Lim
May 11, 2008
Dear Ross family,
I too, was shocked to see the notice of Ruth's passing. Our daughters Emily and Gillian played soccer together, and Ruth was always so warm and friendly. It was obvious to all who met her how important her family was to her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Lims
Fidel Ponce
May 11, 2008
Dear Ross Family,
Even though I only had a chance to meet you once a few years back when you visited Steve and Tracey here in Tampa (they are my neighbors and friends), my impression of Ruth and the way I remember her is as a fun and caring lady. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you in these difficult times.
God Bless You,
Fidel L. Ponce
Halloween 1991 at American Chambers, Bellevue
Janis Higdon
May 11, 2008
Ross Family,
I was shocked and sad to see Ruth's obituary in the newspaper today. Ruth was my first employer (at American Chambers) when I moved to Seattle in 1990. She was 7 months pregnant with Emily when I started work there. We got together several times after she left to raise Emily, and I always liked and respected her very much. We were almost the same age, I had a toddler daughter then, and we had both attended high school in Nebraska, so we had a lot in common.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.
Janis Higdon
May 11, 2008
Ross Family,
I was shocked and sad to see Ruth's obituary in the newspaper today. Ruth was my first employer (at American Chambers) when I moved to Seattle in 1990. She was 7 months pregnant with Emily when I started work there. We got together several times after she left to raise Emily, and I always liked and respected her very much. We were almost the same age, I had a toddler daughter then, and we had both attended high school in Nebraska, so we had a lot in common.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.
Tracey Meitzen
May 11, 2008
Chris, Emily,Clara and Steve-
I came into this family 15 years ago, and I was immediately accepted. Your mom told uncle Steve that she thought it would be nice to have a Mexican in the family, even though I am Italian, but that was how I remember your mom. Ruth became the sister I never had, and I thanked God everyday for having her in my life. We had some wonderful times together, and some great talks. I will miss her everyday of my life. I am so greatful that I am a part of this beautiful family.
Much love Always, Tracey
Steven, Tracey and Dominique Meitzen
May 11, 2008
I will always miss my sister and spending time with Ruth and her family. We had some great times that will live on as loving memories.
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