Ruth Ellen Frederickson

Ruth Ellen Frederickson

February 8, 1933 – June 29, 2025

Ruth Ellen Frederickson, 92, passed away peacefully (COPD) at home in Paradise Valley on June 29th, 2025, surrounded by her family, Hospice of the Valley, and Chaplain Ruth.

Born on February 8th, 1933, at 5:35 a.m. in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Ruth grew up with a deep love for learning and connection. She graduated from Wauwatosa High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While there, she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega and met her future husband, Dave Frederickson.

Ruth and Dave began their lifelong adventure together while traveling the country during Dave’s service in the U.S. Air Force. They were married in Marana, Arizona, in 1955 and eventually made their home in Paradise Valley, AZ, where they spent the next 70 years. Ruth’s warmth and vitality made her a beloved member of every community she joined. She was a dedicated volunteer at the local Arizona Animal Welfare League, an avid tennis player, golfer, skier, and bridge partner at Phoenix Country Club. Ruth was known for her warmth, generosity, and the effortless way she made everyone feel welcome.

Ruth’s greatest joy was her family who all live nearby. She is survived by her husband Dave, and their four children: Jim (Donna), Jodi (Craig), Leah (Randy), and Amy (Davis). She was a proud grandmother to Tyler (Natalie), David (Ashley), Cori, Brenna, Rachael, Tanner, Katy, and Courtney, and a doting great-grandmother to Mica, Dylan, Ella, Owen, and Lily. Her legacy of love, humor, and grace lives on in each of them.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents, Mabel and Al, her sister Donna, and the many cherished friends who went before her.

Ruth embodied a vibrant spirit, deep empathy, humor, love for animals raising 14 dogs, and boundless energy. She found joy in the little things—family gatherings, morning walks, feeding quail, new places to explore, and the comfort of knowing she was deeply loved and cared for. We will truly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ruth’s memory to Arizona Animal Welfare League in Phoenix, a cause close to her heart.

Details about her celebration of life will be shared privately with family.