Ruth “Honey” Lutzvick Gavareski, age 99, passed away on Nov. 8, 2021, at her home in Aberdeen.

Mrs. Gavareski was born on Oct. 18, 1922, in Hoquiam, Washington. She was raised in Hoquiam and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1940. She worked hard in school and graduated valedictorian. She was an accomplished musician and was first-chair violinist in the school orchestra. She was also a member of an ensemble that played for various events on the Harbor.

She then attended Grays Harbor College and Central Washington College where she received her BA in English and history. She was awarded membership in Phi Beta Kappa for her outstanding academic performance. Upon returning to the Harbor, she taught English and history at Miller Junior High School, Hopkins Junior High School and English at Aberdeen High School. She and her family also lived in Jesup, Georgia for five years where she taught English at Jesup Junior High School. She retired in 1988 but continued teaching as a substitute for several more years.

Mrs. Gavareski’s first love was her family, and she was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren and was always there for them. She loved animals of all kinds especially her kitties. She also enjoyed reading the newspaper from cover to cover and working crossword puzzles (in ink). She also loved traveling with her son and his family, gardening with her husband, and attending special dinners and events at the Aberdeen Polish Club.

She had a strong Christian belief and was a faithful member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church where she was a hard-working member of the alter guild. She was also a member of the Rebecca Lodge and the teacher’s sorority of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Surviving family members include her son David J. Gavareski, M.D. and wife Carol of Bellingham; her daughter Anne K. Bennett and husband Michael of Aberdeen; her grandchildren: Karen MacArthur of Seattle, Kristin Bennett of Brooklyn, New York; Kati Bennett-Olivieri, DVM and husband Garson of Lompoc, California; Lisa Hatchell and husband Sam of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Michael Gavareski and wife Jamie of Seattle, and David Bennett of Aberdeen; and her great-grandsons: Cole and Luke Hatchell, Niko and Cruz Gavareski, and Colin Olivieri. The extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband John Gavareski, her mother Katherine “Katy” Berquist and other close family members.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. A reception will follow the memorial to celebrate Ruth’s life. There also will be a take-home lunch after the reception and masks are required.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to PAWS or St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

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