Ruth Olive (Hooker) Hood, age 96, passed away on Feb. 16, 2021, at her Tumwater home in the presence of her loving family.

She was born Sept. 15, 1924, in Great Falls, Montana, to Asa and Lenore Hooker. Her parents and all of her siblings, Mabel, Earl “Stein,” George, Howard and Verne preceded her in death.

Ruth graduated from Great Falls High School in the spring of 1942. She married Harry Kenneth Hood (deceased) on Sept. 9, 1942, as he was preparing to leave for the war.

They had five children of whom she was very proud: Dennis Hood (deceased), married to Michaele (deceased); Bonnie (Hood) Larson of Missoula, Montana, married to Scott; Steve Hood of Aberdeen, married to Charlene; Claudia (Hood) Keller of Snohomish, married to Jim; and Cheryl (Hood) Rischel of Olympia, married to Jack.

Ruth was a woman of many interests and talents. She loved gospel music and old country and western songs. She could often be heard singing right along with them. Ruth gardened and was an avid reader. She enjoyed her trips to the Oregon coast with her daughter. She loved to play cards and board games with her family. She challenged her mind with puzzles and, until recent years, was known for sitting down to work on a jigsaw every night before bed. She was talented in quilting, crocheting, embroidery and other forms of needlework. Many family members have been blessed with her beautiful handiwork.

Ruth was small but mighty. She was a woman of unwavering faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. She was strong and fiercely independent, yet she was humble, unassuming, and had a kind and giving nature. She always put the needs of others before her own, especially the needs of her children. She was smart, witty and a great storyteller.

While residing in Hoquiam, she was a member of the Hoquiam Assembly of God Church. She worked for several years in the dining service at GHC Hospital and enjoyed her volunteer work at the Hoquiam Senior Center.

She was a member of the Black Eagle-Assinniboine Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by four of her five children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the Coleman Mortuary on Thursday, Feb 25, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb 26, 2021, at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park with Pastor Ken Middleton officiating.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when all can gather safely.

Arrangements are by Coleman Mortuary.

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