Clayton Ruhter

October 20, 1922 - April 22, 2010

Clayton B. Ruhter, our beloved husband and father, peacefully passed to his new life in heaven at age 87.Clayton was the eldest of two children. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Anna; his sister, Betty; his grandson,Joel; and son-in-law John Wiersma. Clayton was born and raised in Holstein, Neb. Until 16 and then moved to Wendell, Idaho where he met the love of his life, Arva Nielson.  They were married 66 years. Clayton and Arva moved to Richland, Wash. in 1952 and Clayton started his long career at the  Hanford Nuclear Power Reservation doing research. They lost a daughter, Claudia, shortly after birth and raised five children, Mark, Jolene Jyothi (Tewari), Linda (Joy), Debra (Nash) and Karla Rachael (Tolrud). As a family they often explored the Western states and Canada. Clayton taught all of his children to fish as well as some of his grandchildren.  Many happy memories were made visiting the family cabin close to the Okanogan National Forest in Washington state. Clayton was instrumental in spreading the gospel of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, through meetings in his home and helped to start churches throughout the tri-city area of Washington state. Clayton retired in 1987 and shortly after moved to Prescott Valley, Ariz. Clayton has 22 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.  Until the end of his earthly life, Clayton kept his sense of humor and his kind disposition. A Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 at the Heritage Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life reception will be 1 p.m. at the Sungate Villa Senior Community. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated towards the family funeral expenses.