Ruth Purrington

Our precious and deeply loved mother, Ruth Louise Purrington, age 93, went home to be with the Lord on October 9, 2025. Ruth was born in 1931 in a humble log cabin in Carragana, Saskatchewan, to Alfred and Dorothy Ehrler. She loved sharing the story of her birth and how her father paid the midwife with a pig, an endearing memory.

After graduating from high school, Ruth pursued her calling to care for others and attended nursing school in Saskatoon. With a spirit of adventure, she later moved to Santa Barbara, California, to begin her nursing career. It was there that she met her future husband, John, and together they built a beautiful family and welcomed four children into the world.

In 1971, the family moved to Spokane, Washington, where Ruth began working at Sacred Heart Hospital. She devoted 27 years of her life to nursing there and took great pride in her work.

Ruth's life was full of love. She found joy in baking, gardening, and opening her home to others. She was happiest when surrounded by family, and her warm hospitality made everyone feel special. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved church, Bible studies, and spending time with the Lord. She also cheered enthusiastically for the Mariners and the Zags, rarely missing a game. Whenever possible, she traveled back to Canada to visit her family, cherishing those reunions and holding her roots close to her heart.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Joyce (Chris), Gerald (Frances), and Robert (Inga), and by her dear son-in-law John Carrieres.

She is survived by her loving children: Joanne Carrieres, Jerry Purrington, Brenda (Bob) Hall, and Julie (Phil) Zimmerman, who are looking forward to seeing her in heaven. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren Jordan Malinak, Jeff (Christina) Carrieres, Taylor (Jasmine) Hall, Kyndria (Corbin) Mendenhall, Kailey Hall, Joseph Carrieres, Noah Zimmerman, and Roman Zimmerman, her precious great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, each of whom brought her immense joy.

We were blessed by the way she loved and cared for each of us so deeply. Though we miss her, we rejoice knowing she is home with Jesus.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9