Ruthy Ann Rayburn
(Ruthy) Ruth Ann Rayburn, 77, of Boise went home to her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 15, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She died surrounded by her family. Ruthy was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on January 16,1946 to Norman and Alma Lee Alexander. She grew up in Minatare, NE and graduated from Minatare HS in 1964. After high school she attended Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, OR while living with her grandmother in Payette, ID.
In 1966 she married Norm Rayburn in Minatare, Nebraska and they made their home in Payette, ID. In 1968, they moved to Boise when Norm was transferred. Then moved again for work in 1978 to Burley, ID.
Ruthy enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, Bible study groups, and spending time with family and friends. In her younger years, Ruthy enjoyed bowling in a league, playing volleyball, leading 4H, and working with children. She worked at various jobs over the years, working as the church secretary for many years.
Ruthy liked to volunteer her time and spent many years volunteering at the hospital in Burley. She was a regular volunteer at the Christian Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) office in Nampa and enjoyed spreading the message about Jesus by hosting CEF clubs in her home. She also volunteered at Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) taking care of the younger children and in later years at the Boise Rescue Mission serving meals. Ruthy was active in church and served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Clerk of Session and other positions while a member of several Presbyterian churches, including Christ Presbyterian, Covenant and Southminster in Boise and the First Presbyterian Church in Burley. She served her community by working at polling stations in Burley and Boise. She was a member of Chapter BZ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Ruthy and Norm traveled extensively with Ruthy’s sister and brother-in-law. They rarely missed watching their grandkids in a concert or sporting event. Ruthy and Norm built lasting relationships with children that they sponsor in Kenya, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda, three of whom have graduated from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
Ruthy is survived by her daughters, Michele (Kevin) Sagez, Denise Rayburn, her grandchildren – Mason DeLoera, Sephora Wontor, Ivy Rayburn, Anna and Brianna Sagez, and Casey Rayburn; her sister Norma (Bob) McRae of Broomfield Colorado, and several nieces and nephews. Ruthy was preceded in death by her husband, Norm, son Sam, parents Norman and Alma Lee, and brother Roy Lee.
A viewing will be held on Friday, December 22 from 5-7pm at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W Carlton Bay Dr, Boise. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 23 at 11am at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6858 N Glenwood, Garden City.
The family would like to thank Horizon Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care they gave to Ruthy.
Donations in her name may be sent to Christ Presbyterian Church, 6858 N Glenwood, Garden CIty, ID 83714; World Outreach Ministry Foundation, PO Box 7022, Bonney Lake, WA 98391; Child Evangelism Fellowship of Idaho, PO Box 427, Nampa, ID 83653; or Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope, PO Box 7152, Boise, Idaho 83707.
To watch Ruthy’s video tribute, please visit: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NM9ZKPD43XTXR447
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.