Ruth Chin

Ruth Chin, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 29, 2023. She faced endometrial cancer with unwavering courage and grace, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was born in 1941 at Providence Hospital in Seattle, WA. She was raised on Beacon Hill, graduated from Cleveland High School in 1959, and attended the University of Washington.

She was a part of the Seattle Chinese Drill team as a young woman and spent countless Thursday nights bowling at Imperial Lanes in the women’s league with her friends. She also loved to golf and belonged to the Jefferson Park Women’s Golf Club.

Ruth's memory will forever be cherished by her surviving family members, including her husband of 56 years, Frank, her children Sheryl Klarich (Ted) and Curtis Chin (Cara), her grandchildren, Andrew and Ryan Klarich and Jackson and Julia Chin, her brothers, Walter Wong and Norman Wong and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Bing and Ann Wong and her sister, Faye Mah (Wong). She will be missed immensely by her countless friends and colleagues who were touched by her presence.

Ruth was happiest when she was spending time with her family, always putting their needs before her own. Her grandchildren were her world. She spent most of her time caring for them after a 20-year career with the Renton School District. She loved cooking for them, teaching them how to read, and how to be kind. She enjoyed teaching her older grandchildren how to golf, taking them to the weekly “grandma group” and fun excursions around the Seattle area. She often volunteered in their classrooms and served as an “emergency” mom/grandma to her grandchildren’s friends. As her grandchildren grew up, she was their biggest fan at various sporting events.

Ruth liked to stay fit through many activities including working out several days a week participating in spinning or Bodypump classes in the early morning hours before leaving to care for her grandchildren. She liked to run, participating in her first 5k at age 70. The Seahawks 5K was always a favorite as well as the Issaquah Salmon Days run where she had the chance to run with two of her grandsons for many years. In 2014, she ran the second fastest 5k in Washington for women in the 70-74 age group. Another passion was skiing, which included weekend trips to the family cabin at Hyak.

As we mourn the loss of Ruth, let us also celebrate her remarkable life and the profound impact she had on us all. Ruth will forever be a source of inspiration, reminding us to be selfless and embrace each day with the same loyalty to family that she embodied. May she rest in peace, forever surrounded by the love and gratitude of those she touched along her beautiful journey.

In keeping with Ruth’s wishes, there will be no memorial services. Remembrances in Ruth’s name can be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle ( foundation.providence.org ) or The American Cancer Society ( donate.cancer.org ).

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." - Eskimo Proverb

Please share memories, photos & condolences for Ruth on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home - Lake View ~ Seattle, Washington