Ruth VanArsdale Davis was born on July 14, 1915, in Pueblo, Colo., and died Dec. 29, 2009, on Mercer Island.

Mrs. Davis grew up in Tacoma, Wash., graduating from Stadium High School, where she was active in athletics, the school play and service clubs. After earning her bachelor’s degree in home economics from the University of Washington, she taught at Shelton High School. In 1939 she married John MacDougall Davis. They made their first home in Seattle and later enjoyed the greater part of 70 years together on Mercer Island.

As a dedicated mother, Mrs. Davis raised six children, all of whom live in the Pacific Northwest. She nourished them with homegrown vegetables and handmade garments, and she encouraged their higher education. She felt that her children provided her the greatest joy and a lasting legacy.

When not directly involved with family, Mrs. Davis grew beautiful roses and rhododendrons; she earned the Mountaineers Six Peak pin for climbing the six major peaks in Washington; and she carved from wood fine masks and other objects in the Pacific Northwest Native American tradition. The consummate angler, she caught while others fished. Mrs. Davis incorporated her appreciation for color, texture and the natural world into her daily life.

Organizations in which Mrs. Davis enjoyed membership and service were the Alpha Phi Sorority, Mortar Board Service Honorary, the Arboretum Foundation, Totem Girl Scout Council, Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, The Mountaineers, the Women’s University Club and the Covenant Shores community, where she lived for the past 19 years.

Mrs. Davis is survived by John MacDougall Davis, her husband of 70 years, and her six children. These include Jean Davis Burpee of Roseburg, Ore.; John M. Davis Jr., J.D., of Port Orchard, Wash.; Bruce V. Davis, M.D., MDiv of Seattle; Ann Davis Palmason, of Mercer Island; Margaret Davis Philbrick, of Mercer Island; and Elizabeth Davis, of Seattle. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who live in Washington, Colorado, California, Idaho, Texas and Japan.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10 at Covenant Shores Lodge, 9150 Fortuna Drive, Mercer Island. Additional parking with shuttle service will be available at Mercer Island City Hall.

The Davis family thanks Covenant Shores administrators and staff for providing Mrs. Davis with heartfelt support and comfort during her final months. Remembrances are suggested to a charity of your choice. Interment is at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue.