Ruth Helen Baskett, 93, passed away on Dec. 11, 2019, at her home in Ellensburg, Washington, with her daughter by her side. She was born on August 6, 1926, to Ralph and Grace Mason in Tacoma, the youngest of six children.

Ruth grew up in Tacoma and in the seventh grade she quit school to go to work to help support the family. At the age of 19 she married Steve Baskett. She then worked in her in-law’s family hardware store in Midland. Together they had one child.

Following her divorce from Steve, she returned to school receiving her GED and her AA in mental health. Ruth was so very proud of her accomplishment. Following graduation, she became employed with Western State Mental Hospital, working her way up as a mental health technician. She retired in 1988.

The last 25 years she spent living in Grayland at the beach. This was a dream come true as this was where she found peace looking at the ocean and many long walks on the beach. In July of 2019 she moved to Ellensburg to be near her daughter.

Ruth is survived by her only child, Stephanie (Bobby) McKendrick, two grandsons; Denny (Jenny) Kuenzli and Gavin (Jessica) Lumsden and two great-grandchildren Alivia and Gavin.

A celebration of life will be held Jan. 18, 2020, at Firlane Chapel 924 176th St. E, Spanaway at 10:30 a.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brooksidefhc.com.