Ruth Works Mackie

Ruth W. Mackie died peacefully on Thursday August 18 at her son's house in Poulsbo.
Ruth is survived by her sister Helen Pryor of Yardley, PA, her daughter Mary of Albuquerque, NM, son Jim of Columbus, GA, son Tom of Yakima, WA, son Scott of Poulsbo, WA, nine grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Wally Mackie, her parents Lawrence and Marion Works of Marengo, IL, her sister Betty of Green Bay WI, and her brother Larry Jr. of Casper Wyoming.
Ruth was born April 12, 1927 in Greenbay, WI. She graduated from high school in 1945, the University of Wisconsin in 1947 (BS Botany) and 1949 (MA Botany). She married Wallace Z. Mackie on September 20, 1947 and remained married for 59 years until Wally's death in 2006. Before starting their family, Ruth worked as a researcher at the USDA in Beltsville, MD from 1949-1952. Ruth and Wally raised their family in Silver Spring, MD and in Poulsbo, WA where they moved to in 1973. They fell in love with the Pacific NW, remained in Poulsbo, and enjoyed a long retirement. Ruth was blessed with a large extended family, many long time friends, and a long full life. Ruth loved gardening, traveling, feeding her birds, looking at "her" Olympic Mountains, and spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed.
In accordance with Ruth's wishes, there will not be a funeral but there will be a celebration of her life at a family reunion next summer in Ashland, WI.
Donations can be made to Hospice of Kitsap County.