Lester Ruud

RUUD — Lester O., 102; born July 17, 1913, Elgin, Ill.; died Nov. 12, 2015, Walla Walla, Wash. Surviving: wife of 76 years, Vera (Grove); sons and daughters-in-law, Philip and Linda Ruud, Pendleton, Ore.; Dennis and Diana Ruud, Chesapeake, Va.; brother and sister-in-law, Nils and Jo Ruud, Oregon City, Ore.; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Calvin Hartnell, Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; 6 grandchildren and their spouses, Shaundi and Bruce Davis, Lisa and Greg Sloop, Eric and Heidi Ruud, Sean and Lynda Ruud, Shelby and Todd Cosgrove, Karin and Ray Jr. Trees; and 11 great grandchildren.

Lester Ruud, 102, died Thursday Nov. 12, 2015 in Walla Walla, Wash. He was born July 17, 1913 in Elgin, Ill., to Iver O. and Karin (Nicolaison) Ruud. He graduated from Walla Walla College Academy in 1935 and attended Walla Walla College. He attended University of Oregon Dental School. He met Vera Grove at Walla Walla College and waited for Vera to graduate from nurses training before marrying her. They were married by J. L. Tucker of the Quiet Hour, May 14, 1939, in Portland, Ore. They were married 76 years.

Lester played the musical saw from his youth at many camp meetings, churches and special occasions. 

He was a very active member of the Walla Walla City Seventh-day Adventist church. He was the assistant director of the Adventist Community Services Center in Walla Walla. He volunteered for Gospel Outreach in College Place. He and Vera volunteered on several Maranatha building projects throughout the US. He was an amateur radio operator.

He grew up on skis and skied until in his late 80’s. He loved to water ski and sail. He and Vera were avid birders. He built grandfather clocks for each of his 6 grandchildren’s weddings. After his retirement he repaired many of the clocks in the Walla Walla Valley.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Emily Stanley, Lilly Ruud, Ruth Gardner, Helen Diamond and brother Leslie Ruud.