Ruth McConnell Damon

Ruth McConnell Damon passed away April 18, 2007, after suffering congestive heart failure, at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane. The daughter of Dr. John and Dorothy McConnell, Ruth was born on the 25th of September and grew up in Kalispell. She attended St. Matthew's Catholic School and then Flathead County High School, from which she graduated in 1951. She went on to study at Gonzaga University.

In high school, Ruth was active in a variety of extracurricular activities. She was a vocalist in the school choir, a cheerleader with her twin sister, and a proud member of the original flag-twirling team.

In 1953, Ruth married Pat Damon of Kalispell. They lived in Spokane until 1960, when Pat's work took them to Pueblo, Colo. While in Colorado, Ruth worked as a licensed practical nurse at the Pueblo hospital.

Eventually, the family returned to Spokane, where they have resided for more than 30 years. Ruth was employed there at the North Town Chuck Wagon for nine years, and then worked with her sister-in-law at The Damon House for special events and catering.

She was an accomplished flower arranger, and she filled many orders for weddings and special occasions. She had an artistic touch, and is remembered for once having an enviable skill at playing piano by ear.

A loyal and devoted mother and wife, Ruth's kind heart was filled with compassion for her family, her friends, and all creatures great and small. Few who knew Ruth at any time would not be acquainted with her Boston terriers, whom she called "my girls" and who were treated as such.

She was drawn to birdlife, small, delicate and naturally beautiful, especially bluebirds. Ruth only gave good of herself. She lacked even the capacity to do harm or to wish anyone ill. She was a champion for everyone else's goals and achievements, never realizing how much she was herself admired and held in esteem for the steadfast and principled manner in which she conducted her life. Faithful, prayerful, generous, patient, and enduring, at once ingenuous and perceptive, knowing more than she let on, she kept much inside, even as she gladly gave much to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jackie McEwen; granddaughter, Christie Damon; and nephew, Danny Sweeney.

She is survived by her husband, Pat; her three sons, Paul, and twins Donald and Ronald; grandson, Scott Damon; granddaughters, Stephanie Damon and Jamie Damon; and great-granddaughter, Deneika Damon; also by two sisters, Patty Kirkeby, of Mesa, Ariz., and her life long best friend, her twin sister Reta Sweeney, of Kalispell. Also surviving are seven nephews, Steven, Bob, Tom, Michael, Kevin and Tim Sweeney, and Scott McEwen, and three nieces, Kaye McEwen Bradley, Kathleen Sweeney Davis, and Maureen Sweeney Shadair.

At Ruth's request, no public services were held. A private family memorial was observed at the home of her son, in celebration of her life.

"If rewards are, indeed, earned by example and service in this life, she now enjoys blessed riches, and walks among angels."