Ruth E. Waldref, 86

DALTON GARDENS, IDAHO -- Ruth Elizabeth Waldref, 86, of Dalton Gardens passed away peacefully Saturday, April 7, 2007, at Kootenai Medical Center.

She was born May 10, 1920, in Pomeroy, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Rench) Russell. She grew up in the rural farming areas of eastern Washington, and attended college at Cheney Normal School, where she earned a teaching degree. She taught elementary school in Valley, Wash., for a short time.

Upon moving to Spokane, she met and married Riley Roberts.

She worked at Dorian Studio as a photographer's assistant doing touch-up work and colorizing photos.

In 1950 she was remarried to Elmo (Red) Waldref and in 1963 they relocated to Lewiston and then moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1986.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Louise; her brother, Ray; her husband, Red; and a granddaughter, Sarah.

She is survived by sons, Pat Roberts and wife Claudia of Yuma, Ariz., George Waldref and wife Rita of Spokane, and Jim Waldref and wife Carmen of Seattle; daughters, Carole Scroggins of Coeur d'Alene, Pam Roberts of Seattle, Kathy McClure, and Liz Steele and husband Calvin, all of Dalton Gardens; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was very active in her community and church, sharing her artistic abilities in many ways. Her great talent for art was severely diminished when she suffered a paralyzing stroke in 1984. Along with her art, one of her greatest joys in life was reading. She also surprised many with her great interest and knowledge of basketball, especially college coaches and players.

She was a very loving and understanding mother, always the caregiver, and impressed us all with her quiet strength and strong faith. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Yates Funeral Home in the Coeur d'Alene Chapel. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene. Burial will follow at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.

The family prefers memorials to the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Foundation, 424 E. Sherman, Suite G5, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

Please visit Ruth's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com