Ruth Marie Elaine Christenson Vigna

Ruth Marie Elaine Christenson Vigna was born on August 1, 1928, in Puyallup, Washington, to Frank C. and Mabel V. Christenson. She passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at the age of 97 in Edgewood, Washington. A graduate of Clover Park High School in Lakewood, she met the love of her life, Adolph C. “Carl” Vigna, at a dance. She left her shoes in his car to ensure they would meet again, and the couple married later that year in Puyallup. Married for 72 years, Carl predeceased her in 2018. She was also predeceased by her older sister, Betty Christenson Albert.

Ruth found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She adored her husband and offered each child and grandchild entering marriage the same gentle counsel: “Cherish your spouse.” She lived those words faithfully, earning the nickname “Saint Ruth” for her endless patience and instinctive kindness. Her life was beautifully simple, measured in small, faithful acts of devotion that gathered into something abundant and whole.

She prepared the Italian dishes her husband had grown up with, sent grandchildren out with bowls to gather huckleberries, and packed the camper with thoughtful care so she could continue watching over everyone even on vacation. Ruth loved her garden, where she knelt among the blossoms and coaxed beauty from the soil. She found peace watching family play along the grassy shore of Lake Tapps or while visiting Lake Chelan each summer, her calm presence a quiet gift to all who knew her. Though she could never quite manage to take a photograph without trimming off someone’s prized first catch, she captured what mattered most—our hearts.

She is survived by her children Steven (Cheri) of Bonney Lake, Debra (John McBride) of Puyallup, Carla of Tacoma, Ann of Renton, and Marc (Gina) of Lake Tapps, along with her grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ruth lives on in the tender weave of her family’s memories.