Peoria, AZ - Ruth Briggs was peacefully called Home on May 16th, 2025. Ruth was born November 29, 1938, in Augusta Kansas. Ruth entered this world as an overachiever - curious and eager to learn - traits that would define her life and legacy. After graduating high school, Ruth went on to nursing school. Though she loved being a nurse, she was motivated to further her education. She enrolled in school to become a Nurse Anesthetist which led her to Columbia Missouri. It was there that she met Jim Briggs, the love of her life. Together they moved the family to Washington State, got married and made their home in the Yakima Valley from 1970 - 1990. While in Yakima, Ruth dedicated herself to a variety of community activities. Ruth served as president of Jr. League, Women's Auxiliary, and the Washington Enological Society. She also dedicated time to her church and volunteered with the Children's Orthopedic Guild and other local charities. Ruth and Jim had a passion for traveling and together, traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad.

In 1990, Ruth and Jim were feeling drawn towards warmer weather. They built a home and settled in Peoria, where Ruth continued her tradition of community involvement. She quickly became active in her church and embraced her new passion of golf -joining Union Hills Country Club and later serving as both board member and president of the 18-hole Ladies Club.

A gifted gourmet cook, Ruth delighted in bringing people together- whether through dinner parties, block parties, or other spontaneous get togethers.

She was a lifelong learner, immersing herself in hobbies ranging from quilting and crafting to wine tasting and cooking. At one point, she even became a certified travel agent,

Those who knew Ruth often described her with one word: elegant. Her elegance and love for people and friendship continued until her passing. She touched countless lives with her wisdom, warmth, and generosity. She believed in lifting others up, and she did so with grace. Her legacy will live on in the lessons she taught, the stories she told and the love she so freely shared.

Ruth is now reunited with her beloved Jim, who passed away on August 4, 2009. She is survived by their five children: Jim Briggs of Visalia, CA; Deb Briggs of Quinton VA; Bill (Bonnie) Briggs of Kalamazoo, MI; Therese' (Adam) Hansen of Elk, WA; and Kent (Stacy) Briggs of Chattaroy, WA. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service honoring Ruth's life will be held on June 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Sun City Christian Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to Hospice of the Valley.