Ruth Baumann

Ruth Julia Holtz-Baumann of Poulsbo, Washington (former resident of Port Orchard, Washington and Silverdale, Washington) died November 8, 2004 at Martha and Mary Nursing Home in Poulsbo, Washington. She was 84. Ruth was born to Kenneth and Naomi Swearingen in Fairmont, West Virginia, where she spent her early years. Ruth was the oldest of 7 children and their only daughter. She graduated from Fairmont State Teachers College, and married William Holtz, a career Marine Corps officer, in 1949. Their military career allowed them to live in many cities throughout the US from which she made many friends. Ruth enjoyed being an officer's wife. She was a court stenographer, substitute teacher, housewife and mother over her career. The moved to Kitsap County in 1964. Ruth married Paul Bates Baumann in 1985 and they resided in Silverdale and Poulsbo during their marriage. They traveled extensively around the world, and enjoyed entertaining their families. She also loved to cook, sew, knit, garden, read, and travel. She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Paul Baumann; three daughters: Thelma Bickell of New York, Mary James of Olympia, Bobbi Strom of Bainbridge Island; a step-son William Holtz, of New York; 10 grandchildren: Vicki Gray, David Burdyshaw, Rebecca Bickell-Morrone, Kimberly Clark, Shannin Strom, Micah Strom, William Holtz, Patricia MacLeod, Naomi Strom-Avila, and Aaron Strom; 8 great-grandchildren: Naomi Ruth Bridgeford, Marcus Burdyshaw, Jessica and Danielle Marrone, Hannah and Abigail Strom, and Cruz and Maxwell Strom; and 4 brothers: Robert, Charles, Richard, and George Swearingen; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 15, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church in Silverdale, Washington. Interment will be held Monday, November 15, 2004 at 1:00 p.m at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton, Washington. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association 12721 30th Ave. N.E. Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98125