Long-time West Seattle resident, Ruth J. Chappell, 84, died August 1, 2005, in Rathdrum, Idaho, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born August 18, 1920, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Helga Rasmusson from Denmark and Oscar K. Larson from Nebraska.

On June 18, 1938, Ruth married Howard F. Chappell in Papillion, Nebraska. They moved to West Seattle in 1940. She worked as a secretary for Boeing and retired in 1977. They moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in August 1999 to be closer to their daughter.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Colin Thomas of Rathdrum, Idaho and Barbara and Ragnar Kveseth, of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Sister, June Healy of Portland, Oregon. Ruth had many dear friends at Fairwinds, Retirement Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and long-time friends, Marilyn Trulin, West Seattle and Dolly and Johnny Coonrod, Kent, WA.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Howard in January 2000.

Private Graveside service will be at Washington Memorial Park in Seattle. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is in charge of local arrangement.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 North Government Way, Hayden, Idaho 83835.