Ruth Rae Masters, RN, MPH, passed peacefully June 19, 2018 after a short stay in Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, surrounded by family.

She was married to Dr. Richard L. Masters for 58 years, who preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 2014.

She is survived by her loving sons, Brian, Kenneth and Ross; her beloved daughters-in-law, Kara, Shelly and Mary Jeanne; and her cherished grandson, Addison (Max) Graham.

Ruth was born Feb. 25, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to Carl and Nellie Brewer.

She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing, then worked as an nurse for many years, raised her boys, and returned to school to obtain her Master of Public Health degree at the University of New Mexico, graduating at the top of her class at age 50.

She was executive director of the New Mexico Nurses Association, and was chosen Woman of the Year for her work on behalf of that organization.

Among many notable accomplishments, she coauthored an influential study on the incidence of cataracts in pilots, and managed her husband’s aerospace medical consultancy, Aviation & Preventive Medicine Associates, in Denver, Colorado.

Later in life, she provided senior-adult education on her treasured Charles Dickens at the University of Denver; cared nobly for her beloved husband, making it possible for him to pass peacefully at home; and became a trusted and loving friend and leader at Madrona House on Bainbridge Island.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5 at Madrona House, 8800 Madison Ave. North, Bainbridge Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ruth’s name to the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (www.biartmuseum.org) or to the Denver Public Library (www.denverlibrary.org).