Ruth Ingrid Christiansen

MY RUTHI

Ruth Ingrid “Ruthi” Christiansen (née Anderson)

11/10/1925—5/27/2024

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on 29 June 2024 at McLoughlin Heights Church of God (901 Winchell Ave Vancouver WA 98661). It will be a time of memories and music, fellowship and food, celebrating Ruthi’s long life and lasting impression.

Ruthi was a quiet woman, spending most of her life in facilitating the work of others, seldom asking for personal or public recognition. But she was known by many privately as a confidant and mentor, as an encourager and a tireless worker. Her husband, Bud, often said that if he were to receive any crown in Heaven for things that he had done, he would ask for permission first to lay that crown at Ruthi’s feet before offering it back to the Lord. 

Though she was seldom in the spotlight, Ruthi had many talents. She built a craft business, Dough Delights by Bud n Ruthi, which was a familiar site at Portland Saturday Market for over 30 years. She was a wonderful cook, especially fond of baking (and eating) pies and cookies. As a master seamstress, she enjoyed making stylish clothes for all members of her family. An accomplished violinist, she also played the piano and the European Zither. Over the course of her long life of faith, Ruthi wrote numerous hymns, which she would sing to Bud in her lovely alto voice for him to transcribe and arrange.

Grandma Ruth, Auntie Ruthi, Sis, Cousin Ruth, Mom, Greema… she was known by many titles. But the one which meant the most was when Bud called her “My Ruthi.” For nearly 70 years this phrase filled her heart with love, never failing to bring a smile or giggle to her lips.

Ruthi is survived by her children Connie Christiansen, Destiny Sefarina, Daniel Christiansen and Daniel’s wife Ana. She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many “bonus children” of her heart. Most importantly, she leaves a legacy of prayer that continues to shape the world of those who remain.