No headline

Ruth Edith Nipp, 97

Surrounded by family, Ruth Edith Nipp peacefully went to be with her Lord on Jan. 26, 2018, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born Jan. 27, 1920, in Bemidji, Minn., to Charles and Marie Thompson. When she was three months old, her family traveled by train to settle in Coeur d’Alene where she was raised and educated. The Thompson family has lived on Government Way since 1920.

Grandma Ruth, as she was known to many, attended Roosevelt Elementary School and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School on May 27, 1938. Upon graduation, her written goal was to work in an orphanage and to someday own one. She married Rhinehard L. Nipp in 1942, just before he entered World War II. They had three sons, Charles, David and Paul.

Grandma Ruth had a tremendous love for children and had a special talent for caring for and understanding their needs. Following the death of her husband in 1961, she cared for children for a number of years. The impact that she had on their lives was special. Many of them have continued to come back to visit her, and their parents have become dear friends.

Ruth’s home on Government Way has been the center of family life for over 60 years. The walls of her house are lined with pictures of family depicting her life as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A highlight for her was a visit from family or friends in the comfort of her kitchen. Her compassion for and interest in others and their lives was extraordinary.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Rhinehard; a son, Paul L. Nipp; and siblings, Clifford Thompson, Tommy Thompson, Henry Thompson, Reuben Thompson, Inga Thompson and Clara Holt. She is survived by her sons, Charles R. (Susan) Nipp and David R. (Cindy) Nipp; five grandchildren, Ryan (Teri), Devin (Debra), Michael (Kristi), Justin (Lindsey) and Nicole (Corey) Symons; and 12 great-grandchildren, Alexander, Trey, Madison, Caden, Brooklyn, Berkley, Michael, Oliver, Eloise, Boden, Ella and Reuben.

We are all going to miss that magical smile and her love and care for all of us. A celebration of her life will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. The family prefers memorials to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835. You may visit Ruth’s memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.