Robert Alan Ruth

Obituary Robert Alan Ruth 1962 - 2015 Robert Alan Ruth, 53, passed away peacefully in his home on November 28, 2015, having faced pancreatic cancer bravely, with both humility and concern only for others. Robert was born into a US military family in Munich, Germany on April 27, 1962 and grew up in Texas and Tacoma. He graduated from Wilson High School in Tacoma in 1980 and Western Washington University in 1984, with a B.A. in Urban and Regional Planning. During his career as a city planner, he worked in the Tacoma Planning Dept., Pac-Tech Engineering in Tacoma, the City of Baldwin Park, CA, and spent 25 years in the City of Des Moines Planning Department. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Vlahovich, in 1985, and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Briana (23) and Aleah (19). Robert enjoyed playing sports, coaching his daughters' basketball and soccer teams, listening to rock and roll, taking road trips, and working on home improvement projects, including building two of his family's homes in Des Moines, WA. He was known for his love of family, friends, and pets, as well as his big personality, warm smile, and infectious laughter. He was loved and admired by his family, friends, and colleagues. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Briana and Aleah; his mother, Rita Ruth; his sisters, Barb Bowman and Susan Lindahl; and his beloved nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Des Moines, on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Rosary will be prayed on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Gaffney Funeral Home in Tacoma. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Philomena St. Vincent de Paul Society (1790 S. 222nd St., Des Moines, WA 98198). Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home (253) 572-6003.