Ruth Evangelyn Jerde

Ruth Evangelyn Jerde, 85, went to be with the Lord after a long illness on May 27, 2010, in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

Ruth was born to Henry and Ada Richardson on Jan. 9, 1925, in Tacoma, Wash. She was a loving mother, wife and friend to those who knew her.

She leaves behind her four children, Robert (Kathy), Ronald (Linda), James (Jeannette) Christensen and Susie (Fred) Meyn; as well as step-children, John Jerde, Elmira Rasmussen, Starr Melon, Judy Hartley, Chuck, Jim and Jonathan Jerde. Ruth also leaves behind her eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was past president of Palmer Business and Professional Business Club, American Legion, Salvation Army Home League, Riverbend Homemakers Club and Order of the Eastern Star. Throughout her career she worked as an executive secretary. In the early 1970s she had a worldwide tour guide business before retiring. Even after retiring, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked several years until her health worsened.

She retired at age 75 with her beloved husband Walt in 2001 to Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

She was preceded in death by her late husband Walter, her brothers Jim and John, her sisters Pauline, Irene and Edith.

Ruth brought her family to Alaska in the early 1960s and began her Alaska experience in Cantwell. During the 1964 earthquake, her home became a center of communication between Fairbanks, Anchorage and the world with amateur radio communications. She enjoyed Alaska tremendously and loved to be in the wilds of Alaska. Her rugged, independent spirit was tempered by her heart of compassion for those in need.

She loved arts and crafts and was an avid knitter, making Alaska sweaters and afghans for all of her friends. Ruth was a passionate reader of mystery books, but her true love was traveling and adventure.

She will be dearly missed by all who remember her keen sense of humor.

Visitation was held May 28. A memorial and private graveside services were held on May 29 at the Cementario de Extranjeres Cemetery in San Jose.