Ruth Elenor Warns

fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, March 9, 2017, five days after her 93rd birthday.Ruth was the daughter of Robert and Mary Fuhrman, and she was born on March 4, 1924, in St. Paul, Minnesota. A lifelong Catholic, Ruth attended parochial schools in St. Paul and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1942. Ruth then went to work in the War Effort doing clerical tasks in a group that she later realized was part of the Manhattan Project.After the war, Ruth worked in the personnel department of the main Montgomery Ward store in St. Paul. There she met, hired, and befriended former First Lieutenant Raymond H. Warns, a recently discharged B-17 pilot and European Theater combat veteran. It did not take long for a romance to develop between them that resulted in their marriage on November 24, 1947; and their romance continued until Ray's death 48 years later in 1995.Their union resulted in the birth of five sons between 1948 and 1959. The youngest, Robert, died at birth. The eldest, Stephen, died in 1990. But three of their sons survive: Mark of Poulsbo, WA; Michael of Lombard, IL; and Raymond H. Warns, Jr. of Burien, WA. Ruth is also survived by her three daughters-in-law - Katerina, Pamela, and Erin - along with four granddaughters - Mary, Lisa, and Michelle of Lombard and Maria of Poulsbo - as well as one grandson, Gregory of Poulsbo.Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; but she was also a consistently hard-working volunteer who was an active member - and frequently an officer - of an array of community organizations. As an example, Ruth served for two decades as a volunteer docent at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, where she is remembered both for her joy and her generous spirit.Ruth was also a devoted Christian who remained true to her Catholic faith until the end. She exemplified the love, the generosity, the service, and the joy of life inherent in her faith. And she is also remembered for maintaining her exemplary disposition, even in the face of adversity.Ruth's sons remember her frequently telling them, "Don't just do the right thing. Be a good example to others." And that is a succinct summary of her 93 years of life on earth.Ruth Warns was a good example.Ruth's Funeral Services will take place at St. Olaf Roman Catholic Church, 18943 Caldart Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA on Saturday, March 18, 2017.12:30 PM - Viewing and Last Good-Byes 1:00 PM - Rosary (Glorious Mysteries) 1:30 PM - Funeral Service 2:00 PM - Departure of Remains 2:15 PM - Graveside Service at Kane Cemetery, 9964 NE Lafayette Av, Bainbridge Island: (Please click here for map)3:00 PM - Fellowship Hour back at St. Olaf's with Coffee and Cookies