Ruth Wilson Buckner of Poulsbo was a loving mother of eight children, and a doting grandmother of many. She passed away peacefully Aug. 11, 2017 with family members by her side at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tacoma. She was 89 years old.

Ruth was born to Cape Julius and Annie Wilson on May 14, 1928 in Tallahasee, Alabama. She met John Marion Buckner on the bus in high school in Tallahasse and they later married in Pell City, Alabama on March 19, 1946. They raised seven of their children on the farm in Riverside, Alabama, later moved to Ona, Florida where the eighth child was born and then moved the family to Poulsbo in 1967.

Ruth was a homemaker and gardener who enjoyed cooking a delicious meal or dessert for anyone who came by to visit. She was a gracious hostess and enjoyed many a lively conversation with friends and family who loved her dearly. Being from a musically talented family, Ruth loved listening to music and playing piano, in which she was self taught. The love of family, though, was her greatest joy in life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband John Marion Buckner in 2013 and oldest daughter Nancy Elizabeth Hunter in 2011. She is survived by her sons: J. Larry (Norma) Buckner, Ragland, Alabama;, Gary (Darlene) Buckner, Poulsbo; Stephen (Lauren) Buckner, Kingston; Kevin (Laurie) Buckner, Gig Harbor; Son-in-Law: Chuck Hunter, Silverdale. Her Daughters: Patricia Burke, Bremerton; Cathy (Franco) Solda, Chiampo, Italy; Susan Ray, Poulsbo. Her sister: Frances Tomlin, Riverside, Alabama and 25 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Ruth was a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Poulsbo Congregation. A celebration of life was held on August 27 in Poulsbo.

A memorial contribution may be sent to Fishline of Poulsbo or Kitsap Humane Society of Silverdale.