Ruth E. Prendergast

June 9, 1920 - February 11, 2016

Ruth E. Prendergast, age 95, of Bellingham, WA returned to her heavenly home on February 11, 2016. Ruth was surrounded by loved ones during her passing and her strong belief in God gave her peace, knowing they would someday be reunited once again. Ruth was born in Waukegan, IL to Carl and Minnie (Reidsema) Munsen on June 9, 1920. She grew up in the Puyallup/Tacoma area. After graduating high school, she earned her Master’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University, and taught for 27 years in Tacoma/Pierce County. She also taught for two years at the Korean Bible College and Theological Seminary in Korea. Ruth had a zest for life that was contagious. She loved baking, cooking and hosting parties. Everyone was welcome at her home. There was always room for one more and always reasons to celebrate. She was artistic and loved painting, crocheting, quilting and crafting of all kinds. She wrote beautiful poetry and had a deep love of reading and books. Ruth loved gardening and watching things grow. She was an educator at heart. Whether teaching a student to read or sharing a favorite family recipe, helping others learn gave her great joy. Ruth's Christian faith was the driving force in her life. She taught bible studies for many years and was an active and dedicated member of Birchwood Presbyterian Church. Ruth was blessed with a large and loving family. She is survived by daughters Joann Hartshorn (husband Wally), Janet Waldref (husband Stan) and Heidi Bugbee (husband Ken); 14 grandchildren; 40 great- grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren and several special nieces. She had an abundance of treasured friendships and was an inspiration and mentor to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Laura Burton, Lucile Sauriol, Helen Dessen Gloor and Carl Munsen. Memorial donations in Ruth’s name may be made to Generations Early Learning and Family Center (www.intergenchildcare.com), Birchwood Presbyterian Church (www.bpchurch.org) or at any Whatcom Education Credit Union to the Ruth Prendergast Scholarship fund for students at the Korean Bible University. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 19th at 2 pm at Birchwood Presbyterian Church: 400 Meadowbrook Ct, Bellingham, WA 98226. You may share your memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.