Ruth Laura (Mueller) DeBay, 78, of Surprise, Ariz., died March 15, 2014 in Surprise, Ariz.

Ruth was born Nov. 30, 1935 to Arnold and Leona (Meyer) Mueller in St. Louis. She grew up and attended Valmeyer High School in her mother’s hometown. Her cousin, Myron Roever, introduced her to Ray W. DeBay, whom she married in 1953.  He preceded her in death, as did her older brother Ronald.

She lived in Tacoma, Wash., for 60 years. She worked at Lilyblad Petroleum Company, Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department, Madigan Army Hospital and volunteered with the Red Cross. She was well-liked by the staff and they created a part-time position for her so she could travel.

She traveled the world and also served as president of Loners on Wheels (Nor’West Lo W’s) for two years. She enjoyed snowbirding in Arizona with her friends.

She was surrounded by her children Christy (Darrell) Larsen, Kimberly (Mark) Aloisio, Ray (Michelle) DeBay, Kathy Irey and Amy (Mark) Cornish when she died.  Ruth had 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and her best friend, Imogene Yarbrough, since they were 3 years old.

A memorial service is planned for June.