Ruth (Beth) McDonald

A woman of enduring faith, Ruth Elizabeth Flathers McDonald (Beth), 74, passed away surrounded by family April 22, 2023 at her home in Ocean Park, WA.

Beth was born September 6th, 1948 in Walla Walla, WA to Howard Flathers and Ruth Langdon Flathers, the fourth of five children.  She was born and raised in Prescott WA, a small farming community in SE Washington, where she later graduated from high school in 1966.  Afterwards, she would go on to Walla Walla Community College, where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1967.  On September 2, 1967 she married her high school sweetheart, Riley J. McDonald.  They had recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Beth was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Long Beach, WA and was baptized in the faith July 4, 1976 at the Yelm, WA congregation.  In between, she faithfully continued her service, as she and her family moved from Yelm, Kelso and in her later years, Long Beach.

Beth and her family had eventually put down roots in Kelso, WA in 1980, just as Mount St. Helens erupted.  Despite this, the Rose Valley area became the perfect setting to raise four sons.  Just close enough to get to town, but far enough away to embrace nature’s harmony.

In her later years, Beth found solace amongst the flora and fauna of the Long Beach Peninsula, riding her trusty Rhino amongst the woods to search for her latest treasure.  She also loved writing poetry and spending time with friends and family.

Beth was preceded in death by three siblings, Linda Flathers Parsley, David Flathers and John Flathers and is survived by her husband Riley, her sister Sherry Flathers Groom, her 4 sons and daughters-in-law, Matthew (Michelle), Andrew (Beth Anne), Riley (Lisha) and Casey (Shirley).  She also had 9 grandchildren all of whom she dearly loved.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on May 20^th at the Long Beach Kingdom Hall.