Ruth Ann Steury

 

image of Ruth Ann Steury

Ruth Ann Steury

Ruth Ann Steury, a guiding light to many, passed away peacefully at home on August 3rd 2023, after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. She was born on March 26th 1944, in Creekside, Pennsylvania to Wayne and Ruby Huber and grew up on the family farm where her grandfather was born. Her outgoing and enthusiastic nature, along with her time as a cheerleader at Marion Center Highschool, made her a life-long sports fan. She earned a 2-year business associate degree at Point Park Business School.

Later she married Alfred Horn, a Presbyterian Minister, and spent two years in Ohio. They had subsequent homes in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. Together they had three children, Todd (Kerry Jo), Terri, and Tyler. Her 5 grandchildren, TJ, Lyndsie, Jordan, Jake, Rylie, and great grandchild Beau were one of the great joys of her life. She is also survived by her loving husband of 31 years Tom, sisters Jane Neal (Art) and Kathy, along with brothers Jim (Lucy) and Gary (Lea).

Ruth Ann was a member of Marcus Whitman Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. She later joined University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Ruth Ann was the Chief Administrative Clerk at the Federal Way District Court for 7 years where she oversaw the daily activities of the court. In 1980, she joined the Boeing Company and for 23 years she administered the training of employees. There she mentored new hires and shared her innate organizational skills, giving employees the confidence to succeed.

Ruth Ann’s love of sports led her to become the Secretary of the Seattle Sounders Fan Club and an ardent supporter of the Seattle SuperSonics. When the Sonics left Seattle, Ruth Ann overcame her disappointment by becoming a fan of the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and Washington Huskies. Later, she shared her love of Thunderbird Hockey with many. Her passion for sports was only surpassed by her love of animals large and small.

In 2001, Ruth Ann retired to make more time available to be with her family and care for her aging parents. In retirement, she actively journaled and enjoyed European and domestic travel with her husband Tom, family, and friends. Ruth Ann was involved in Camp Side by Side a ministry to families with kids battling cancer. Ruth Ann had a unique ability to connect with people in a very genuine way, taking joy in other people’s achievements and happy moments. She sincerely cared about the lives of others, and she frequently let out a heart-felt “fantastic” when hearing positive news. Ruth Ann was always available to spend time supporting friends, old and new. Her heart-connecting hugs were like no other.

In her last weeks, time with family became increasingly important regardless of her physical limitations. Ruth Ann embraced each day God gave her with grace, open to its possibilities. She would frequently send a post-event text to those who shared time with her, thanking them for leaving her with a “Happy Hangover”. Ruth Ann was a “birthday cheerleader” never forgetting to mark a loved one’s special day with just the right card.

Ruth Ann’s was a life well-lived, and she will live on every time we remember her, seek her wisdom, and feel gratitude for the many lessons she taught us. We can all honor her by caring deeply for others and rejoicing in their happy times and successes.

We will have a celebration of Ruth Ann’s life and our future resurrection. The service will be held on Sunday September 17th at 2:00 PM at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Ruth Ann’s honor to The Light Collective, an organization that shares hope and community with families who have a child with cancer.

The Light Collective
PO Box 55423
Shoreline, WA 98155

https://www.lightcollectivepnw.org/

4 Responses to “Ruth Ann Steury”

  • JohnMcHugh says:

    Great photograph says it all in
    a picture

  • Julie Lewis says:

    “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” Such is the life of Ruth Ann I can’t wait to see her again in our forever home.

  • Jack Miller says:

    I was always drawn to Ruth Ann’s open mind. She enthusiastically welcomed discussing subjects that tended to stretch my mind. She never seemed to judge me. During the last year, she taught me something that I will not forget should I be privileged to know the end of my life on this earth is in sight. She encouraged me to share the joy in my life with her even though I knew she was suffering. What a classy lady! Jill and I are with you, Tom, and Ruth Ann’s entire family.

  • Brenda Wieland says:

    Ruth Ann showed us how how to live a life well. She was more than kind, always sincere, deeply caring, and gave profound insights. I always knew where her heart was and her big heart was known to all who knew her. She and I each had a love of Cannon Beach. She once gave me a mug many years ago with the words “Breathe” and a picture of Haystack and the ocean in the background. I still have that same mug. She always breathed a sense of true friendship in me. I will miss her. Brenda

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