Obituary of Ruth C. Kern

Ruth C. Kern (83) former resident of Davenport, WA. died on January 31, 2012 at St. Maries, ID. Ruth was born February 11, 1928 to Emil and Emma (Gross) Kern at Davenport, WA In her younger school days, she went by horse or walked the mile and half to the country school. After consolidation with the Davenport School District, Ruth went thru high school there. She was valedictorian of her class. Attending, Eastern Washington Univ., she received a teaching degree and entered the Spokane School dist. For 23 years, she taught 2nd and 3rd grade. She retired from teaching early so as to care for her mother. Ruth gave freely of her hand and her heart to those in need, not only locally, but countries far away. Her giving became a passion until funds gave out. She also gave freely of her exceptional humor and her few years at Valley Vista Care Center blessed her care takers with it. In return, they loved her. She moved to Valley Vista five years ago. Her delight was savoring what was inside a book. She read till her eyes wouldn't let her. Collecting videos was her hobby and left her with at least 1500. Preceding her in death were her parents, sister Anna Marie Norton and brother -in-law Rusty Norton. She is survived by sister Martha (Kern) Green of Plummer, Id, 7 nieces including Becky Johnston of St. Maries and Cathy Stoltey of Plummer, 5 nephews as well as many cousins in Germany, in particular, Wilfried, his wife Waltraud and their daughter Daniela from Meersburg. She was a special "Aunt' to many of her relatives and to some a second mother. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church, The Zion and Christ Lutheran Churches. She was secretary for TOPS for many years. She was a volunteer you could count on. Services will be at the First Presbyterian church at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012 in Davenport, WA. under the direction of Strate Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Egypt Cemetery. Hodge Funeral Home, St. Maries is in charge of local arrangements. Read Ruth Kern's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.