Ruth Vivian Thomas

Thomas, Ruth Vivian, 103, of Boise, Idaho, died Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at a local care facility. Arrangements are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home and Cremation, Meridian.

Following Ruth’s wishes, there will be no viewing or funeral services. The family will gather for graveside services later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks if you would like to remember Ruth, please spend extra time with family and loved ones, as that was always what was most important to her.

Ruth Vivian Thomas died on March 27, 2024, at The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care at Columbia Village. She was attended by her loving family and caring staff. She was almost 104. 

Ruth was born April 16th, 1920, to Charles and Ruby Anderson in Mrs. Wilson’s Nursing Home at the corner of Main, Warm Springs Ave., and Broadway in Boise, Idaho. In a journal she kept, mom noted it was a memorable year: the first commercial radio broadcast aired, Harding was elected president, women got to vote for the first time, and 41 nations met for the first League of Nations.

The Andersons divorced when Ruth was very young, and she was raised by Dad Anderson and various aunts/uncles. Growing up she lived in Boise, Arco, Wilder, Greenleaf, Pocatello, California, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington. Mom remembered several special events from her childhood, such as when the Boise Train Depot was built. “It opened on April 16th, 1925. Dad Anderson and I rode the train from Caldwell to Boise to see the grand opening. It was my birthday, so when we got to the station it was all decorated with ribbons and balloons. Inside there was a big cake and punch. I thought the party was just for me. I guess that’s what I told everyone when I got home.” 

Also seeing Charles Lindbergh when he came to Idaho. “He flew his airplane the “Spirit of St. Louis.” Dad Anderson and I came up to the Fair and he rode around the race track in an open car – Sept. 4, 1927.” 

But mom’s fondest childhood memories were the times she spent with her father on their various farms, surrounded by wonderful neighbors. “In the summer, dad would furnish the makings for homemade ice cream (the old wooden bucket kind you had to turn). As it froze, it would get harder to turn, so they’d put a sack on top and the kids would take turns sitting on it. Mabel Noe would make a cake to go with it. It was very special as it was during the Depression years. They (the Noes) had a large family, and their cousins would come too. We’d play “Hide and Seek” around the farm buildings, “Kick the Can,” “Red Rover,” maybe go swimming in the canal.”

As a young teen during the depression, Ruth often worked for room and board as a housekeeper/nanny. She continued her own education as long as she could, as she was smart and loved learning. Although unable to graduate Boise High herself, Ruth was incredibly proud to see multiple generations of kids, grandkids and even great grandkids come through its halls. 

Mom worked various jobs over the years. During WW II she worked in the laundry at 14th and Grove Streets ironing uniforms for the soldiers stationed at Gowen Field, she worked retail at Sears and Anthony’s, cleaned and painted houses, worked for the Forest Service at Lucky Peak nursery and was one of the first female supervisors when she worked for the manufactured home companies Security/Shelterex. Anything she needed to do to provide for her family. But by far the job she relished the most was her 16 ½ years working as the Banquet Manager at the Hotel Boise during the 50’s and 60’s. “I loved it. There was something new every day. The Idanha and Boise Hotel were the only places in the area for conventions, service clubs, politics, catering and socials gatherings.” She saw Boise’s (and the nation’s) elite come and go. “I learned so much there, I guess it was my education. Often the kids (Rainy, Larry, and Chick) came to the hotel, had dinner, did their homework, and later worked there. I think they grew up there.” Ruth continued working through her 70’s and 80’s before retiring to help raise her grandkids. 

Ruth saw so much change throughout her life. She went from having one of the first telephones in the Wilder/Greenleaf community to having computers, cars and air travel all become part of everyday life. She witnessed historic events: wars, the moon landing, the JFK and MLK assassinations. 

However, the most astounding and fulfilling part of life for Ruth was creating a family of her own. “On September 4th, 1939 (Labor Day), I gave birth to twins (Ruth Lorraine “Rainy” and Larry Ralph). I was so happy I had two babies that were mine. I had a family all my own.” Her joy continued when she met and married Glenn Yates and another baby boy joined the family (Charles “Chick” Gordon). Ruth and Glenn were married for 16 years; they divorced in 1956. Later that year, “In August (Fair time) I was invited to go to the Fair with Eddie Thomas, who was a bellman at the hotel, then to a show “South Pacific” (dad hated musicals but loved our mom). They were married on December 16th, 1956, and three more children quickly followed (Daniel Clifford, Julie Fae, and Jana Kae.) Ruth and Eddie were married for 56 years, until he preceded her in death. Ruth’s delight increased with the birth of each and every grandchild, expanding her family to five generations. “Can you believe 5 generations?  They are beautiful people, smart – loving – kind to others – who couldn’t be proud.” 

In one of her concluding journal entries, mom noted: “I sit in my corner and read, sew, watch T.V. and daydream, go back over memories, and visit with family on the phone or in person. I realize how blessed and fortunate I am. One book couldn’t hold all the wonderful things that have happened in my lifetime.  Some not quite so good were so few in comparison, nobody could complain. When they weren’t good, we had family to help, and that means everything. The most important part of my life is my family. I love everyone for who they and what they are, and I’m so proud of each and everyone. I’m truly blessed.”

Mom radiated that love and acceptance to all her family (those lucky enough to be born into it and those lucky enough to join later). And we loved her back, unconditionally. We will miss her dearly.

Although not all of her family could be present in the room, holding her hands when she slipped peacefully away, mom felt them in spirit and knew she was surrounded by five generations of love. 

Ruth was preceded in death by two beautiful granddaughters (Terri and Kaela), and all of her contemporary family and friends. The family is comforted in knowing they were all waiting for her, and she has been re-united with Glenn, Eddie, dear friends Fae and Charlotte (Griat), Dottie (Frasier), Helen (Marker) and her beloved Dad Anderson. 

Ruth leaves behind six children: Rainy Pearlman, Larry (Shelley) Yates, Chick Yates, Dan (Diane) Thomas, Julie Thomas, and Jana Thomas (Bill Kuzilik); ten Grandchildren: (Wendi, Nate, Jill, Amy, Niccole, Megan, Sam, Becca, Eddie-Dean, Cooper); thirteen Great-Grandchildren: (Gara, Chance, Joseph, Jacob, Taylor, Madison, Jackson, Hana, Mika, Ryo, Carly, Lucas, Tegan); and three Great-Great Grandchildren: (Ethan, Stella and Maison) along with all of their wonderful spouses and partners. 

The family would like to thank the incredible staff and residents at The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care at Columbia Village in Boise for their wonderful care and companionship in mom’s final months.  

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Larry (Ruth’s eldest son) notes, it was her devotion to her family that made her truly great. Here is a thank-you bouquet Larry collected while speaking to family members after her passing:

Daughter Rainy Pearlman: Nobody was a stranger to Mom; she knew and liked everybody. At the hotel her waitress uniform was spotless.

Son Larry Yates: Mom was no racist. At the hotel her main busboy was Luke a Jamaican and her favorite pianist was Paul a Japanese. The Basque dishwashers adored her.

Daughter-in-law Shelley Yates:  She loved life and tried new things. Never forgot a birthday, except maybe hers.

Son Chick Yates: Raised us fairly — no favorites. Also didn’t complain in hard times.

Son Dan Thomas: Encouraged me to follow my dreams — my schooling, my sports, my career.

Daughter-in-law Diane Thomas: She embroidered perfectly. Also shared her wisdom on raising children but didn’t intrude.

Daughter Julie Thomas: Mom made me feel I could do anything I wanted. Also she supported me when I mourned the death of my beloved John.

Granddaughter Megan Hoitt: I’ll always remember grandma for her grit and tenacity. Also, she took us to the Dollar store and let us choose anything we wanted – which as a child, was pretty much like hitting the jackpot.

Daughter Jana Thomas: Mom’s courage and dedication to family. Also her moral compass, she always did what she thought was right and tried to teach us to do the same.

Granddaughter Becca Thomas-Kuzilik: Grandma was perfect. I will miss sharing grill cheese sandwiches with her, going for rides in the sunshine, watching the birds and the flowers, hearing all her stories, and just spending time with her.

Granddaughter Wendi Adams:  She protected every child she saw, including me. Would not allow spankings.

Grandson Eddie- Dean Thomas: Grandma gave us lots of candy. Made my brother and me make peace, or sit and hear their grandfather clock bong.

Grandson Cooper Thomas: Made us share our toys. Otherwise, we had to sit and listen to that clock bong.

Granddaughter-in-law Taylor Thomas: She welcomed me into her family. At 94 she’d drive alone to the ball park. She’d say “Won’t you look at that!”

Granddaughter Niccole Secondi: Grandma’s perseverance — just kept going and balanced everything on her plate.  She flirted with my new husband, but I forgave her.

Great-Grandson Chance Covillion: She scared me, but then she told me stories about when she was little, such as seeing Roosevelt at the train depot. I was proud to share her life.