Ruth Margarith Lee Powels, 92

Ruth Margarith Lee Powels died on the evening of her 92nd birthday, Feb. 17, 2016.

She was a resident of San Ramon, Calif. for many decades. She was a native of Petersburg, Alaska, the daughter of two Norwegian immigrants Harold Lee and Magnhild (Husby) Lee. Her father was the captain of the famous "good ship" fishing boat Vesta. Ruth became known around the small island town as "Sis Lee."

In high school Ruth wanted to be a pilot and began taking flying lessons in Alaska. However, when WWII broke out she enrolled at the University of Washington and became a registered nurse at Tacoma General Hospital.

She met a handsome, young Naval officer, David J. Powels and married the love of her life in 1946. David became a civil engineer, and had a long career with Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. In the years that followed, they moved all around the world before settling down in San Ramon. They enjoyed traveling the world and cruising the oceans during their 68 years of marriage.

Along the way they had three children; Jim, David Jr., and Pamela. Ruth was extremely supportive of her children and encouraged all their endeavors. The family spent a significant amount of time enjoying their beautiful property at Lake Tanwax in Washington state near Mt. Rainier. She loved the outdoors and passed the love of the outdoors on to her children with her husband through many family camping trips and adventures.

Ruth had a very loving and mothering nature. She focused her life on being a homemaker and raising her children. We will all miss her great smile, sense of humor and the way she always looked at the bright side of life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and youngest son David, as well as three older brothers; Allan, Eldor and Harold, Jr.

She is survived by her son Jim Powels (Cyndi), daughter Pam Schmucker (Ronald), grandchildren Jim Powels Jr., Julian Crouch, Erica Lee Schmucker, and Ronald David Schmucker and three great-grandchildren.

Ruth will be united with her husband at the Tahoma National Veteran Cemetery in Kent, Wash. on Feb. 29. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 14 at 2:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 19901 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon.