Ruth Elizabeth Swallow

Just three weeks shy of her 96th birthday, Ruth Swallow, a woman of boundless grace and kindness, passed away November 24, peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family and the wonderful staff of Caring at Cordell. Ruth Elizabeth Lumley was born on December 15, 1929, in Waldwick, New Jersey, to Nelson and Elizabeth Lumley. She grew up in Waldwick with her younger sister, Joan. As a young woman, she took the train each day from pastoral Waldwick to New York City where she worked for several years as a typist. While on vacation on Nantucket Island, she caught the eye of a handsome journeyman printer by the name of Earl Swallow, who had just taken a job in California. The two began a long distance romance fueled by letters written daily, until Ruth moved out west to marry Earl and to settle in Wenatchee. They opened the family business, Swallowline Printing in 1964 and operated from their East Wenatchee location for the next twenty-eight years, during which time they raised six children together. Devoted to their family and to each other, they were married for forty-five years until Earl’s passing in 2005. A woman of strong faith, Ruth was a long-time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic church. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, garage saling, spending time with her grandchildren, and helping others whenever the opportunity arose. Over the years she dedicated herself to many charitable causes including making hats for the Union Gospel Mission, quilts for Seattle’s Children’s Hospital, and Christmas stockings for her local CASA group. She will be remembered as someone who was incredibly thoughtful, caring, and selfless, and a shining example to all she encountered. She leaves behind one beloved sister, Joan Powers, and six adoring children and their spouses; Tom Swallow (Audrey Winslow), Gerry Swallow, Liz (Dan) Johnson, Dan (Martha) Swallow, Theresa (Larry) Fleming, and Amy (Todd) Kiesz and 18 grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KC Help, 625-B South Elliott Ave. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home.

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Ruth Elizabeth Swallow

December 15, 1929 - November 24, 2025