Beverly Chapman Ruark Obituary (2023)

Billie was born to Richard and Maxine Chapman in Astoria, OR. The oldest of three children, Billie spent her early childhood and elementary years in Turner, OR, then moved to Spokane where she stayed until college. Her family had a cabin on the Spokane River and summers were spent swimming and waterskiing, which Billie loved. She graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1962, going on to Washington State University. While at WSU, Billie met a handsome young veterinary student, Steve Ruark, just before she graduated with her degree in Child Development in 1966. Upon graduation, she moved to Seattle to teach at a private school, but soon made the decision to return to WSU (and Steve!) to continue her studies in Elementary Education. Steve proposed in the spring of 1967 and they were happily married in Spokane on September 9, 1967. Billie and Steve returned to WSU, completing their degrees in Elementary Education and Veterinary Medicine, respectively, in May 1968. After graduation they moved to Vancouver, WA where they welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie Lynn in January 1969 and Billie began her joyful journey as worlds greatest mom. In September 1969, Steve joined the US Army Veterinary Corps. Over the next two years, they spent time in San Antonio, Chicago and Washington DC. In February 1971, Karin Christine joined the family while they were stationed in Washington DC. Steve was discharged from the Army in September 1971 and the family moved to Yakima for a job at Tieton Drive Animal Clinic. Scott Stephen arrived in September 1972 to complete the gang. Billie was a devoted mother who loved to be involved with her kids, their activities and friends. According to a neighborhood friend, she always had an open door and a warm cookie. She was involved with Bible studies, flower arranging, handbells and Clippers fellowship at Westminster Presbyterian (now Yakima Covenant Church) for many years. Billie and Steve enjoyed many years on Mary Lin Drive until moving to Selah in 2011, where they are involved in and currently attend Selah Covenant Church. Her passion as a mom was a natural transition to the joy of grandchildren and Billie fully embraced that role. She always had crafts, popsicles, cookies and sleepovers at the ready. Over the years, Billie also loved her four legged friends, especially Rusty and Scruff. Billie was a dear friend to so many and her ministry in life, besides her family, was encouraging people, often through the art of her handmade cards. The gift of letter writing and the written word was important to her and she delighted in sending cards to friends and family, near and far. Billie was an artist in watercolors, felting, pen and ink and many other mediums. Her work has been featured in several local galleries and shops. Focusing on her artwork and using her creativity became an outlet for the pain she endured over the past three years. She always had a Bible verse where she could see and focus on it and her prayers for her family and friends were constant. Her relationship with Jesus was the most important thing to her. Billie had HEAPS of love, joy, humor and a true passion for life (RAZZMATAZZ!) Her love for Steve, her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren was passionate and knew no bounds. Surrounded by family, she passed into the loving arms of Jesus and for the first time in over 3 years, she wasnt bound by physical affliction. A Celebration of her Life is being planned for Spring 2024. Billie will be dearly missed by Steve, her husband of 56 years, her children, Stephanie Johnson (Henry, Caroline and Ben), Karin & Shawn Rowles (Sam and Faith) and Scott & Katy Ruark (Mason & Whitley Ruark, Julia & Caden Frank, Kevin and Yobi), her sister, brother, sisters & brothers-in-law, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Selah Covenant Church, Selah Naches Food Bank or a charity of your choice. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com