Ruth Marie (Dudley) Robinson

Ruth Marie (Dudley) Robinson

March 26, 1931 – December 9, 2021

Last December, after a full and fruitful life, Ruth died peacefully at home with her children near her.

Ruth was the first of three daughters born to Loomer and Anna Dudley in Jerome, Idaho. When Ruth was 13, the family moved to Emmett, where they grew fruit and raised Jersey cows. Ruth worked hard at home and at school, where she was involved in speech and debate. She also dedicated time and talent to the piano, a passion she passed on to her children. She grew up attending the Presbyterian Church, which her mother had attended as a child. She continued to serve God throughout her life, holding leadership positions, assisting the women’s association, and bringing her best to potluck meals.

Education was a priority for Ruth, and she graduated with highest honors from the

College of Idaho with a Bachelor’s degree in English. After graduation, she and her roommate Clare held summer jobs at lookouts for the Forest Service, where she read countless books. Ruth taught high school English in Ontario, Oregon for a year. After she obtained her Masters in Library Science from Columbia University in New York City, she worked at the Ontario Library.

In 1957 Ruth married David Robinson, and together they ran the family farm and raised three children. After an accident took David’s life in 1977, Ruth continued to manage the farm, sell milk, raise her children, and care for her parents. In 1990 she moved into a home in town which she had designed. For several years she worked for Tyler’s Pharmacy.

Ruth was active in PEO, the Presbyterian Church, PTA, and Gem County and Emmett Planning and Zoning. She loved books, history, and music. Her needlework skill was unmatched, and family members treasure knitted socks and sweaters, counted cross-stitched pictures and pillows, and clothing sewn with love. She was an excellent cook and hostess. What a treat it was to gather around her table for holidays or just an impromptu dinner after church. 

Ruth is survived by sisters Mary (Henry Pollak) Pound of Albany, OR and Betsy Parravi of CA; sister-in-law Frances Hunter of Portland, OR; children Paul (Sarah Metcalf) Robinson of Potlatch, ID, Susan (Peter) Dill of Emmett, Carl Robinson of Emmett; grandchildren David Robinson, Sarah Hope Robinson, Aaron (Heather) Dill, Claire Dill, and Jonathan Dill, as well as nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. at the Emmett First Presbyterian Church, 212 E 3rd St, Emmett, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the College of Idaho (Caldwell, ID) or the Emmett Public Library.

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