Ruth Strong passed away at her Hoquiam home, as she wished, with family beside her on Dec. 27, 2017. All her life, even the last few months, her concern was for others, setting an example for family and friends with her kindness and consideration.

She was born on Sept. 28, 1941, in Mitchell County, N.C. to Richard E. Mosley and Leona M. (Ingle) Mosley. She was much loved and will be forever missed by all who knew her. We like to imagine that Ruth and her mother are enjoying planning and planting a garden in Heaven as they did on East Hoquiam Road. Their enthusiasm for gardening inspired everyone around them.

Ruth attended schools in Georgia and Florida, before moving across the country to Grays Harbor with her family in 1957. She graduated from Aberdeen High School and studied at Grays Harbor College. In 1960, she married John Sangder and they had four children. They later divorced and she married Albert E. Strong, moving to the family property on East Hoquiam Road. Ruth and Al were married for 44 years and raised six children together. They worked together, along with Leona, creating a beautiful garden.

She was a life-long reader and learner, attending many library programs, plays and concerts with her sister, Thirza. Music was very important to her, especially the blues and classic rock. She served on the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library and provided cookies at library programs.

Ruth worked at the Hoquiam Timberland Library, Edward Jones and was a member of the Grays Harbor Public Market almost from the beginning. She served on the market board and was the treasurer for several years. She could be found at the Market on Wednesdays until very recently, when she was no longer able to work. She enjoyed meeting travelers and community members, while working at the cash register with other vendors and being close to her daughter, Deidra, who owns and operates the Deli at the Market.

Spending time with any of her numerous family members came first. She was always ready to listen and advise, but mostly listen. She enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family and friends. No one ever went away from her house hungry. She was kind and generous to everyone, helping whenever she could. Her family returned her affection and took good care of her, especially in the last few months of her life.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Albert; her daughter, Deidra Williamson, who closed Deidra’s Deli in order to care for her mother; her sons, Rick, Barry and Garrin Sangder, who all helped as they could with her care; two other sons who live out of the area, Rob and John Strong; her sister, Thirza Krohn; her grandchildren, Michael (Lindsey) Williamson, Marcella Williamson, Richard Oppelt, Jacque Lund, Forrest (Lacey) Williamson, and Shawn (Stephanie) Williamson, Kirsten Walshe (Jon), Mariah Bailey, Eva Sangder (Anthony) and many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, as well as nephews Shane (Jen), Brian (Anita), Ryan Krohn; great-nephews, great nieces and other relatives. Her faithful canine companion, Ling Chin, will miss her too.

Her mother, Leona M. Auer, her father, Richard E. Mosley and her sister, Anna Marie Mosley all preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at the United Christian Church, located on the corner of West First and North L Streets in Aberdeen. A light lunch will follow after the service.

Donations may be made to the United Christian Church or to the Hoquiam or Aberdeen Timberland Library.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 – 5th Street in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.