Obituary: Cunningham, Ruth Gretchen
Age 91
She was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on October 4, 1922, the daughter of Peter and Gunda Sinrud.
Ruth was raised in Fernwood, ID, moved to Coeur d’Alene when she was in the 6th grade and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1941.
While in high school, Ruth played drums in the Drum and Bugle Corps.
She attended Lewiston State Normal School and Eastern Washington State College.
During World War II, Ruth worked at Kaiser Rolling Mill driving a forklift.
Ruth taught school in Coeur d’Alene and Dishman, WA.
She took time off to raise her daughters and returned to teaching in Central Valley School District in 1966.
She married Cecil L. Cunningham in 1947 and they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.
They had two children, Susan Kay and Gloria Jean.
Ruth was a devoted mother, serving as the leader of two active Girl Scout troops.
She was a positive role model to girls while sharing the adventures of hiking and camping.
She was involved in Girl Scouting for over 20 years serving as a leader, troop organizer, Neighborhood Chairman, Troop Camp Committee and Cookie Chairman.
Because Cecil spent 3 Ă‚Ë?
years as a Prisoner-of-War in Japan during World War II, Ruth was an active member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.
She served as Adjutant for the Spokane-Inland Empire Chapter since 1980.
Ruth received the Out-Standing Female Non-Veteran Award by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs in 2001.
Ruth was an active volunteer at the V.A.
Medical Center for more than 20 years and served as a Representative of the Spokane-Inland Empire Chapter for the V. A.
Voluntary Services.
Ruth was also a member of Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, Sons of Norway, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and Terrific Trucker’s Association with the handle of Shutterbug.
She enjoyed camping, boating, hiking and outdoor activities with her family.
Ruth treasured her many motorhome trips with Cecil and family, especially the annual family campout at Riley Creek, Idaho.
Photography was her passion, leaving behind thousands of family photos.
Attending Ex-POW Conventions with Cecil enriched her life.
Ruth was a devoted wife, loving mother and beloved grandmother.
She expressed her love for God by showering her family and friends with unconditional love.
Thoughtful, generous, compassionate and courageous, Ruth always had a positive attitude and never complained throughout all her many medical challenges.
She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
She is survived by daughters: Susan (Tim) Henderson and Gloria (Randy) Hathaway; sister, Ruby Hill of Silverton, Idaho; three grandchildren: Jaime (Rick) Wallace, Miranda (Jason) Mullenix, and BreAnne (Corey) Crow; four stepgrandsons: Peter (Kristin), Todd (Andrea), Luke, and John (Tonia) Henderson; nine great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Hailey, and Caleb Mullenix; Samantha and Megan Wallace; Noah and Madylin Crow; Mitchell Hocking and Aubriana Henderson and numerous adoring nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil in 2002, grandson Cody Hathaway in 2010 and brothers: Almon, Gordon and Doug Sinrud.
Ruth’s family would like to thank Dr. Danko Martincic, Dr. Christopher Lee and the staff at Cancer Care Northwest for their loving care and support.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 18, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Rd., Spokane Valley, WA with Pastor Mike Graef officiating.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 North Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA.
Private Interment at Fairmount Memorial Park.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Spokane Valley United Methodist Church; American Childhood Cancer Org INW, PO Box 8031 Spokane WA 99203; Hospice of Spokane, P.O.
Box 2215 Spokane, WA 99210.