Mildred Ruth (Millie) Ragsdale-Ewings

Mildred Ruth (Millie) Ragsdale-Ewings passed away on June 3, 2009, at her home in Colville, Wash., after a long, well-fought battle with cancer. She passed peacefully with loving family members surrounding her.

Millie was born on July 31, 1921, at Port Orchard, Wash., the seventh of eight children to area pioneers Oliver E. and Leona O. Jones. She attended local schools and graduated from South Kitsap High in 1939.

Her entire working career was in the real estate transactions field, from the auditor’s office of Kitsap County to several positions in the title insurance field from Washington to Alaska and finally Arizona. She retired the third and final time in the early 1980s.

In 1989, she married David A. Ewings of Fruitvale, B.C., and they spent their time divided between Moses Lake in the summer months and Mesa, Ariz., during the summer months. Recently Millie and Dave moved to Colville to be closer to their daughters and extended families.

While in Moses Lake, Millie was heavily involved in senior center activities. For several years she and David were instrumental in the successful gleaning program. Additionally, Millie developed many wonderful friendships with the quilting group that is active at the senior center. She also enjoyed many activities and friendships through the Piecemakers Quilting Group.

Millie is survived by her husband of 20 years, David Ewings, of Colville, Wash.; her daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne and Paul Priddy, of Evans, Wash.; her Canadian daughters and their families, Shirley Ewings of Fruitvale, B.C.; Sharon Ewings and Allen Rothwell of Fruitvale, B.C.; Cathy and Bryan Cook of Elkford, B.C.; and Dawn Campbell of Fernie, B.C. She enjoyed her family, especially their ten grandchildren, at many family outings.

It was Millie’s wish that there be no formal memorial service. Only that as friend gathered together that they share a fond memory and hug in her honor. As she had a long battle with cancer and spent many hours at Our House in Wenatchee, memorials may be made in her name to that establishment for its continued operation so that others who are still waging their battles may have a comfortable place for rest at the end of each day.