Ruth Saurer West, 98, of Federal Way, WA died September 11, 2022. Ruth, the daughter of David and Alta Saurer, was born December 31, 1923 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She passed away at her assisted living home, Golden Hearth, in Woodinville, WA, after a short battle with cancer.

She is survived by her two sons, Christopher and David, three grandchildren, Austin, Morgan, and Olivia, and her brother Robert Saurer. Her husband of 61 years, Charles Pershing West, died Feb 5, 2009. Ruth graduated from Logansport High School in Indiana in 1942, leaving with “Smart as a whip” annotating her year book picture. She worked professionally as a legal secretary in Indiana and in Federal Way for many years until she retired. Ruth was an early adopter of yoga and nutrition in the 1960s as approaches to maintain health and well-being, habits that likely contributed to her remarkable longevity.

She was constantly exercising. Ruth enjoyed reading and loved the arts, including opera and the symphony, and she was a member of the Seattle Opera Society for many years. Her strong will, indomitable spirit, and fortitude were legendary and were exemplified in her ability to sit through Wagner’s Ring Cycle whenever the Seattle Opera performed it. Although she generally disliked popular music, she tolerated Josh Groban. Ruth will be greatly missed by her family and friends, as well as her fellow “inmates” at Golden Hearth (her sense of humor … Golden Hearth is a wonderful community). She was lovingly known as “Ruthless” by the inmates and staff, as well as by some of her friends and family. Services will be held October 12 at 10:30 am at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Federal Way.

Lunch will be served afterward. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd or the Seattle Opera.