Ruth Maxine Swanson Solberg

Ruth Maxine Swanson Solberg 1918 - 2015 Ruth Maxine Swanson Solberg of Centralia, Washington, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on May 3, 2015 into the arms of her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. She was born September 10, 1918 in Princeton, IL to Charles William and Bessie Holmes Swanson. She married David Swanson and they had two daughters, Nancy Ann and Susan Kay. She and David operated Swanson’s Grocery store in Princeton until he passed away on December 20, 1969. Ruth was also employed for many years in the Chicago north suburbs as a personal chef, housekeeper and nanny in several private residences. In 1982 she married Wesley Solberg of Washington State where he was employed at Mt. Rainier National Park. Together they enjoyed the view of Mt. Rainier from their apartment on the upper level of the Visitor’s Center. After his retirement, they settled in Centralia. Ruth took delight in floral gardening and the beauty of spring. She loved decorating, shopping, and had an incessant desire to cook and keep a tastefully decorated home, always full of flowers. She was always prepared for company, sharing pies and cookies she created and filled her freezer with. Ruth knew how to set a beautiful table and stories of her life were often very amusing tales shared over a flavorful cup of coffee. She was a very gracious woman who loved her family, friends, church, and Lord. She prayed daily for her loved ones. Survivors include her daughter Susan (Charles) Salsman of Centralia; granddaughter Gwen Farrell (Gary) Greenhow of Rockford, IL, three grandsons Steven (Jennifer) Farrell of Ohio, IL, David Farrell of Rockford, IL, and Joshua (Amanda) Salsman of Centralia, WA; four great-grandchildren Michael & Gloria Ruth Young and Eric & Stephenny Farrell; step great-granddaughter Sadie Salsman; step daughters Pat Henning and Elaine McDonald; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter Nancy, both husbands, four sisters, two brothers, one step grandson Duane Salsman, and great-grandson Kevin Farrell. Memorial services will be held at Mountain View Baptist Church in Centralia, WA. Graveside services will be at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Princeton, IL, Friday, May 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Norberg Funeral Home is in charge of graveside services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mountain View Baptist Church, 1201 Belmont Avenue, Centralia, WA. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com

Ruth Maxine Swanson Solberg

September 10, 1918 - May 3, 2015