Ruth Jane Anderson, 89, a long-time resident, died Wednesday evening, January 12, 2011 at Thelmas Adult Family Home in Olympia. The oldest of 4 children, Ruth was born April 9, 1921 in Wasau, Knox County, Nebraska to Clarence and Mary (Nichols) Roberts. Her mother passed away when she was just four years old so Ruth was raised by her father and step-mother, Audrey. Clarence worked a s a laborer and farmer, so Ruth learned from an early age about hard work and dedication. She would often tell the story of how she cooked and tended to the farm to help her family. Ruth attended school through the eighth grade and her family lived in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1946, Ruth met Alfred Norman Anderson, and after courting for three months, the couple married on July 20, 1946 in Seattle, Washington. They raised six children together, including, Norman LaVern, Garry Lee, Linnea Sue, Alfred Nolan, Catherine Jean and Eileen Ruth. Ruth was a dedicated homemaker and also worked for many years as a waitress. She enjoyed baking, gardening, reading and painting. Ruth also loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her loving, kind, and generous heart, along with her great sense of humor. Ruth is survived by her son, Garry Anderson of Lacey; daughter, Linnea, and son-in-law, Robert Cothran, of Spartanburg South Carolina; daughter, Catherine Anderson, and son-in-law, Ron Marriott, of Olympia; daughter, Eileen Strittmatter of Lacey; seven grandchildren, nine great-granddaughters and one great-grandson; two brothers, Lloyd O. Roberts of Marysville, Washington and Larry Roberts of Iowa. Ruth's husband of 39 years, Alfred N. Anderson, preceded her in death in March 1986, as well as her son, Alfred, in February of 1996, and son, Norman in March of 2000. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Lacey, is in care of arrangements for cremation.