Ruth Elizabeth Dawson

Ruth Elizabeth Dawson, daughter of Harold Joseph Dawson and Atheline Lucille (Harvey) Dawson, was born at Los Angeles County Hospital in Los Angeles, California on October 23, 1934. She passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024 – just 3 days shy of her 90 th birthday. Many of her friends had kept vigil with her during the seven days of her final illness.

Ruth was a life-long educator, author, and dear friend to so many. She was born during the Great Depression and experienced hardship during her younger years, but was the most peaceful, happy, kind, and caring person most people had ever met. She taught school in California for her entire working career and retired as the principal of the middle school in Barstow, California. 

She wanted to retire to a home with a small acreage for her beloved Peruvian Paso horse. She was driving through Jerome, Idaho, in 1995 on her way to South Dakota when she looked around and thought “This is it!”. She contacted a realtor, bought a home in the countryside and moved here. She soon involved herself in the local community. She volunteered with the CASA program for foster children, taught English to adults, and was a longtime staff member at St. Jerome Catholic Church, teaching in the children’s Faith Formation program and serving as a trusted advisor to the pastor. 

The St. Jerome Catholic Community quickly became her family. She made many dear friends among the women of the parish and everyone in the parish knew her and loved her.

When she moved into Creekside Assisted Living, she became the chaplain for the residents there. She helped new residents transition into their new home, visiting each resident every day. She organized activities to help the residents stay active and engaged in life. She accompanied the dying and counseled the living. 

She was an accomplished author, writing many reflections about God’s love and mercy. She shared these reflections with her St. Jerome Parish family and many others in the Jerome community.

She was an extraordinary person who lived a life of generosity and service to others. She will be missed so much by her St. Jerome friends and family, and all the others whose lives she touched. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister; brother; and many dear friends.

She is survived by all the many friends whose lives she enriched with her teaching, writing, wise counsel, and gentle nature.

A Vigil will be held at 6:00 pm, Sunday, October 27, 2024, at St. Jerome Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 28, 2024, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 216 2nd Ave E, Jerome. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Ruth’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.