Ruth Graham McDonald

Ruth Graham McDonald died peacefully surrounded by family at Evergreen Hospice Center on June 26, 2009. Born December 31, 1919 to Jesse & Ethel Graham in Portland, OR, Ruth grew up to be a strong and independent woman. She married Claude F. “Red” McDonald in 1943. They moved to Yarrow Point in 1957 where they raised 5 children. Following Red’s death in 1965, Ruth returned to school, receiving her Associates Degree from Seattle Central Community College. She worked as an accountant at the Camlin and Roosevelt Hotels in Seattle. After retiring and moving to California in 1976 she returned to Kirkland in 1989 to be near her family.Ruth was active in Chinook Jr. High PTA, Overlake Hospital Service League, Hotel Motel Accounts Assoc., and most recently the Seattle Military Officers Association of America. Ruth is survived by her children: Linda Freemott (John), Claudia Kokinda, Stephen ‘Pete’ McDonald (Karen), Flossie Crowther (Ric) and Rebecca Johnson (Damani), 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son Joseph and son-in-law Joe Kokinda.Ruth loved road trips, walks along the ocean beach, knitting, and spending time with her children. She was a loyal patriot who loved her country.In lieu of flowers she asked that memorials be made to the Puget Sound Area USO, Northshore Senior Center or Residence XII Florence Crowther Scholarship.Her family would like to thank the staff at Vineyard Park Assisted Living and Dr. Sandra DiAngi for their loving support and care. Memorial service 2:00 p.m. July 5, Northshore Senior Health & Wellness Center.

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