Ruth Piske

Ruth Marie (Groth) Piske, 89, of Yakima, Washington, died on March 18, 2013. Ruth was born on April 6, 1923 in Courtland, Minnesota. Before the age of 5 she moved, with her family, to Washington. They resided in the Naches Heights area. Mom attended Naches High School and graduated salutatorian of her class. The high school ‘students’ continue to celebrate a reunion each summer, and mom always enjoyed getting together with her old friends. Mom was baptized and confirmed in Grace Lutheran Church. She and dad (Edward) were married in Grace Lutheran Church in 1942. The first years of their marriage were interesting, because of the war. She used to tell lots of stories of how they had to sign up for appliances, like a lottery; when they were notified they could pick up their refridgerator, freezer, etc. Mom and dad made their home in Yakima, Washington. They were married 57 years at the time of dad’s death on August 1, 2000. Mom and dad owned Parkside Grocery Store for several years. When that adventure ended, mom became a caregiver. She worked for over 40 years at Parkside Nursing Home, and retired in the year 2000, at the age of 77. She developed many friendships during that time, and still enjoyed meeting with those friends, until a year ago when it was more difficult for her to get out and about. Mom was also the primary caregiver for dad for over 25 years; she was very dedicated and loving to our father. Ruth has been a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for 43 years. She loved hearing God’s Word. When she was unable to attend church, she listened to Lutheran Meditations on the radio. It was also important for her to read the Lutheran Meditations, daily; even to the day before her death. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Elsie Groth, brothers Leroy Groth and Kenneth Groth, sister Verna Koreis, and son-in-law Jim Butler. She is survived by her daughter Carol L. Butler, son Fred E. Piske (Joyce); grandchildren, Brian L. Butler (Melissa), Michelle Most (Derrick), Mathew Piske, and Malena Lennon; great grandchildren, who put a sparkle in her eye, Kaydance and Frederick Lennon, and Cash Butler. Ruth is also survived by her brother, Donald Groth (Margaret) of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by Joanna Groth (Kenneth) who took her on some small adventures the last couple years, which mom really enjoyed; and special nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10203 Tieton Drive on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 3:00 PM. Remembrance donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the family. Ruth’s family would like to thank the staff of Landmark Care Center and Dr. Ha and the staff of North Star Lodge. Valley Hills Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of the final arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Piske, please visit our flower store.