1962 ~ 2015
Robert Ruth, 53, passed away peacefully at home November 28, 2015, having faced pancreatic cancer bravely, with both humility and concern only for others. Robert was born into a US military family in Munich, Germany April 27, 1962 and grew up in Texas and Tacoma, WA.

He graduated from Wilson High School in Tacoma in 1980 and Western Washington University in 1984, with a BA in Urban and Regional Planning. During his career as a city planner, he worked in the Tacoma Planning Dept., Pac-Tech Engineering in Tacoma, the City of Baldwin Park, CA, and spent 25 years in the City of Des Moines Planning Department.

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Vlahovich, in 1985, and together they raised two beautiful daughters.

Robert enjoyed playing sports, coaching his daughters’ basketball and soccer teams, listening to rock and roll, taking road trips, and working on home improvement projects, including building two of his family’s homes in Des Moines, WA. He was known for his love of family, friends, and pets, as well as his big personality, warm smile, and infectious laughter. He was loved and admired by his family, friends and colleagues.

Robert is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Briana (23) and Aleah (19); mother, Rita Ruth; sisters, Barb Bowman and Susan Lindahl; and beloved nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated December 7, 2015 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Des Moines. Rosary was prayed December 6th at Gaffney Funeral Home, Tacoma. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma. Remembrances may be made to the St. Philomena St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1790 S. 222nd St., Des Moines, WA 98198.

Online Guestbook: www.GaffneyCares.com

Published in The Highline Times Section of The Westside Weekly December 11, 2015.