Ruth Aarshaug Parmley

Ruth Aarshaug Parmley, 98, of Port Orchard died peacefully with family at her side. Ruth was the youngest of five children born to Norwegian immigrants, Martha and Ole Aarshaug. She was born and raised in Port Orchard and graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1936. Ruth was a class officer, active in the Glee Club and Drama. Ruth met the love of her life, James Parmley, at Perl Mauer’s Dance Hall in Bremerton and they married on September 4, 1938. In August 1950, Ruth and Jim settled on five beautiful waterfront acres in Harper to raise their son Steve and daughter Becky. After Jim’s death in 1979, Ruth enjoyed extensive travels just to name a few: walking on the Great Wall of China, visiting ancient Japanese Temples, visiting the Galapagos Islands, walking the ruins of Machu Picchu, camping in the Serengeti and meeting Masai tribal members in Africa, climbing Ayers Rock and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, sailing into the fjords of Norway, visiting the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, riding a camel near the Pyramids in Egypt and kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, kayaking the waters from Port Orchard to Gig Harbor and her numerous golfing trips with friends. Ruth’s greatest loves were her family, her home in Harper and her loyal and devoted dogs Andy and Tucker. Ruth was most recently residing at Stafford Suites Independent care in Port Orchard. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Esther, two brothers, Hans and Sig, husband Jim and son Timothy James. Ruth is survived her 100 year old sister and best friend, Helen, her son Steve (Linda) Parmley, daughter Becky (Rich) Barringer, seven grandchildren; Eric, Paul, Glen, Erin, Tana, Wade and Jamie, 18 Great Grandchildren and her loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service at 2:00 pm on November 4, 2016 at Rill Chapel in Port Orchard. Online memorial at www.rill.com

Please join us to honor and celebrate an amazing lady.

Ruth’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Ridgemont Transitional Care for their warmth, compassion and sensitivity in caring for her. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Kitsap Humane Society in Ruth’s name.