March 22, 1928 - May 17, 2016
LIIMATTA, Ruth (Age 88) Our beloved Mummu, Ruth Makkonen Liimatta, went to be with the Lord on May 17, 2016 in the presence of her loving family. She was born on March 22, 1928 in the Finish American community of Owen, Wisconsin to immigrants Oscar and Tina Makkonen. She was the last of 6 children. She grew up on a dairy farm, graduated from Withee High School, and earned her RN degree at Fairview Hospital School of Nursing, an affiliate of the Univ. of Wisconsin. She married Into Liimatta of Kokkola Finland, on Dec 27, 1950. They lived in many locations (Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon) as Into finished his education, and Ruth continued nursing wherever they lived. They retired to Portland, Oregon in 1987 and enjoyed many summers in Sitka, Alaska at their beloved Finn Island. They made a number of visits to Finland to see Into’s family and other relatives and also enjoyed visits from those same relatives. Ruth was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She and her husband Into enjoyed 65 years of marriage. She is also survived by her two daughters: Lisa Anderson (Jim) of Spokane and Laura Scheer (Barry) of Hood River, Oregon. They also have 11 grandchildren (Erin, Allison, Andy, Bethany, Amy, Luke, Julie, Molly, Rachel, Maggie, James), 8 great-grandchildren, and her favorite grand-dog Cooper. She loved, encouraged, and prayed for each of her children and grandchildren. Her long life was an example and demonstration of her faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We’d like to thank Hospice of Spokane for their great support over the last months of her life. Her celebration of life was held at South Hill Bible Church on May 20th. We rejoice that she is with her God and free from pain and suffering. We love you, Mummu! Gifts in honor of her life may be given to Lifeline Ministries at www.lifeline-ministries.org Community Cremation & Funeral - Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
