Ruth Scarlett

Ruth Ann (Armstrong) Scarlett, who gave her love and was loved by so many, joined her Lord in heaven on Jan. 10, 2020. She was 83 years old. She was born August 7, 1936 in Wenatchee, WA to Harold Bertram Armstrong and Ruth Alice (Olsen) Armstrong. Ruth started school in Seattle but later moved to Vashon Island, where she graduated from high school. She continued her education at Washington State College (WSC), graduating in June 1959 with a B.S. in Home Economics Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Howard Duane Scarlett, on a blind date. Ruth and Howard were married August 11, 1956. The pair continued to study at WSC where Fred was born. Following graduation, the small family moved to Bickleton where Howard tried his hand at cattle ranching. Will was born soon thereafter. Moving to Bellingham, Ruth began her teaching career in Junior High Home Ec. She would later claim the arrival of daughter, Karin, saved her from teaching Junior High! Eventually, the family returned to eastern Washington where Ruth taught sewing classes at YVC and YWCA. In 1968, she began her 28 year career as a WSU Cooperative Extension Agent in Family & Consumer Science for Yakima county, offering adult education in many areas of family living. As well, she led 4-H members in the annual (sewing) Fashion Revue. She even hosted a pre-Martha Stewart TV show on PBS called “Just For You” (later named The Idea Thing). In 1972, the family settled in the Buena area where Howard and Ruth lived the rest of their lives. Ruth completed her Master’s degree in Behavioral Science in 1979, and retired as a full professor of WSU in 1996. Both Ruth and Howard were active in the Toppenish community at Calvary Bible Church; they helped instigate the Pioneer Fair during the July rodeo, as well as the Toppenish Western Art Show. Later, she continued to volunteer at the Visitors Center. Before and after her retirement, Mom cared for our Dad through his up and down health conditions. She was widowed in Sept. 2010 after 54 years of marriage. Most important to Ruth was her close relationship with her family. She dearly valued every relationship and never missed an opportunity to show others how much they mattered. Besides family, she enjoyed sewing and fashion design, learning, travelling—especially to Hawaii, Missler Bible studies, coffee and lunches with “the ladies”, and chocolate. We had one last family get-together filled with fun, food and laughter just 5 days before she passed. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her brother, Hal (Lynne) Armstrong (and their children, Brent and Meredith (Erik)) of Seattle; Ruth’s children: Fred (Anna) Scarlett of Ellensburg; Will (Jill) Scarlett and Karin (Mike) Argo of Zillah. Also survived by her grandchildren: Amy (Derek) Brown with great-grandsons, Cooper and Parker of Zillah; Abby (Hunter) Slyfield of Ellensburg; Jake (J.J.) Scarlett of Yakima; Weston (Sam) Argo with great-granddaughter, Ava; Rachel (Bennett) Mayo with great-grandchildren Annie, Lydia and Isaac; Matt (Emma) Argo all of Zillah; Owen and Gillian of Ellensburg. And cousins, Betty Strand of Cowiche; and Mike & Pat Wilson of Tacoma. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, Jan. 23, 1:00 pm at Toppenish Calvary Bible Church. (Viewing on Wed. afternoon at Zillah Valley Hills Funeral Home.) If desired, donations may be made to the Toppenish Calvary Bible Church or the Boy Scouts of America Troop #553 in Ruth’s name. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Scarlett, please visit our flower store.