Ruth Elizabeth Raper

Ruth Torgeson Raper filled out an application May 4, to be a gardener in Heaven, after smelling the fresh cut grass from her open window in her bedroom, at Spring Creek Assisted Living Center.

(Which happened to be about a couple hundred feet from where she shared her first home with her husband Cecil from 1942-1957.)

She wrote in the application, that she was good with a shovel, rake, hedge trimmers, edger, and had a new key start mower, ready to go. (The old pull cord was getting to hard to pull at age 96.)

Her application was accepted, she got the job, and Friday May 5, 2017, she left her family here on earth, to meet with Cecil and all her old friends she hasn’t seen in years.

Ruth Elizabeth Torgeson Raper was born in Bellingham, Whatcom Co., WA on September 20, 1920 to Olaf, from Norway, and Betsy Helen Hanson Torgeson, from Big Woods, Marshall County, Minnesota. Ruth married Cecil Irvin Raper, who at the time was living in Bow, Skagit County, Washington. They were married in Bellingham January 17, 1942.  Mom never told me how they met, she said she forgot, I think there was a little secret there, she didn’t want me to know. Ruth was the best secret keeper I ever known.

Ruth worked for the Paper Mill in Bellingham for about 12 years, prior and when she was married.

Ruth and Cecil had many boats and members of the Wheel and Keel Club. They also spent a lot of time at their cabin on Eliza Island.  Ruth was the perfect housekeeper and gardener, as they were both meticulously maintained.

Ruth was a good mother, not afraid of giving me a good spanking when needed, and maybe a few when I didn’t need one. But it probably made me a better person in the long run. I knew right from wrong, and how to respect people, even if I didn’t agree with others views.

Cecil and Ruth Raper had one daughter Myrna Raper Peters; granddaughter, Brandi Peters Coplen, her husband Jason; 2 twin Great Granddaughters Kayla and Rylee Coplen and a Grandson Lloyd Peters, his wife Joelle Harman Peters.

Ruth loved her little twin great granddaughters. They brought her great joy to see them grow. As much as watching her yard and flowers grow. She couldn’t wait for the rain to stop to get out and mow the yard.

Cecil Raper passed away in Nov 1997; Ruth also had 3 brothers Leonard Torgeson, Ernie Torgeson, and George Torgeson who passed way prior.

There will be a memorial service Friday, May 19, 2017, 1:00 PM at the Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt Baker Hwy, Bellingham WA 98226 and a gathering for refreshments after the service.

In lieu of flowers a donation to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Pkwy,  Bellingham, WA 98225