Ruth Kiser Morrison

Ruth Morrison was born on September 5th, 1926, in the great commonwealth of Virginia. She passed away peacefully when she was ready on March 8th, 2026. She was 99 (and a half)! She is buried at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham next to her husband, son, and daughter.

Ruth was born with the Kiser family name. The Kiser’s moved from the mining town of Pound, Virginia (home of basketball’s first-ever “jump shot”) to Raymond, Washington during the summer between Ruth’s junior and senior years of high school. While adjusting to life on the opposite side of the country, Ruth was elected prom queen. Throughout this time, her oldest brother, Elmer, was serving aboard the USS Louisville in the Pacific theatre of WWII. This call to service inspired her to join the cadet nursing corps, then a branch of the Army that served as an ROTC of sorts, preparing women with nursing skills they could use in combat overseas and professionally. Upon completing her schooling at Western College (now WWU), she became a nurse and never looked back.

This career defined her. She was a dedicated professional who touched the lives of many within her community. She spent many years working with Dr. Powers and frequently wore a 1926 silver dollar necklace that he gave her. This job allowed her to get to know the community around her, which she gave back to in many ways. She was a part of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Skagit Valley Grange, Alger Improvement Club (AIC), and more.

She met the love of her life while out one night seeing a movie with friends in Bellingham. She dropped a dime on the ground outside, and the handsome man who picked it up for her became her only love. Her love for her family and friends was second to none. She adored her children and grandchildren alike. She gave greatly so that others could experience the joys in life. She knew the names of everyone on the family tree and their story. She was an inspiring neighbor who frequently called and physically checked in with those around her, even into her later years.

With her roots from “back east” and her lifestyle up north, Ruth was a country girl at heart. She was never afraid of a hard day’s work. She was a wonderful cook who made many of the most nostalgic meals of my childhood in the old-fashioned way. Her “hot cakes” can never be beaten. Thin and crispy out of the griddle, served with a buttered plate, and butter on every layer of the stack with hot syrup. Strawberry shortcake with hand-whipped cream and applesauce from Gravenstein apples. Towards the end of her life, she had a cable box with one station: Classic Country Radio. She would reminisce about growing cantaloupes and cutting them in half on a hot day with some hand-churned ice cream, her Mom canning/jarring everything, her playing basketball with her brothers, and of course, her favorite, corn bread dipped in buttermilk with salt and pepper, all while listening to her beloved Dolly Parton. She was committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, finding ways to stay active through her 99th birthday. However, she did have a sweet tooth. She enjoyed the occasional tootsie pop and loved receiving See’s Candies for special occasions.

Ruth was ready to go at the end of her life. She had been a widow for over 30 years and had recently lost both of her children. She was the strongest woman I knew. She spoke many times of going on her “trip,” and while not a practicing member of the church late in life, had a strong belief in Christ’s teachings. I am sure the family reunion is going wonderfully in the great kingdom in the sky.