Ruth Mathis

Ruth Mathis, age 87, passed from natural causes on April 18, 2024. Ruth was born in Panama City, FL on January 16, 1937. She spent her childhood in Chipley, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University in 1955. From there she became the first Kindergarten teacher at Kate Smith Elementary School in Chipley. She spent most of her teaching career with the Kennewick School District in Kennewick, WA. Ruth entered the seminary at Iliff School of Theology in 1983. Her first role was as Minister at Cathlamet-Skamokawa Parish in Wahkiakum County, WA from 1985 – 1987. She then moved to the United Methodist Church in Anacortes, WA and was there from 1989 – 1992. Ruth served as a District Superintendent for the United Methodist Church in Spokane, WA from 1992 – 1998. In 1998, she become pastor at Mill Plain United Methodist Church and served there until her retirement in 2007. Ruth, not wanting to stop serving others, became a hospital Chaplain at PeaceHealth Medical as well as pastoring at Fern Prairie United Methodist Church.

Ruth enjoyed creating new activities, especially for the youth of her congregation, as well as working many summers at Ocean Park, hosting a variety of retreats over the years. In her retirement, Ruth enjoyed volunteer work when she was not enjoying Burger King and Diet Pepsi. She was the mother of three daughters, Linda Jean Thompson of Gainesville, GA, Grace Dasinger of San Diego, CA and Amy Heath of Vancouver, WA. She also has 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.The Celebration of Life service for Ruth will be on Saturday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Mill Plain United Methodist Church, located at 15804 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA. In lieu of flowers, Ruth asked that any contributions go to the Ruth Mathis scholarship fund at Mill Plain United Methodist Church or to the Ocean Park Retreat Center and Camp.