Ruth I. Bafus, 83, passed away at her home in Colfax, WA on June 26, 2017. She was born on October 9, 1933 to Adam V. and Mary Elizabeth (Morasch) Gerlitz in Endicott, WA who came here from Germany. She was the youngest of 12 children. Ruth grew up and attended school in Endicott and eventually graduated from high school there. Ruth met the love of her life, Robert Bafus, in grade school. Before getting married, Ruth then went on to college and attended one year at Washington State University. They dated all throughout school and got married on August 29, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott. Because of Bob's future career path they found themselves living in Tacoma, WA so he could finish school. They stayed in Tacoma for several years and that's where they welcomed their first son, Randy Robert. Not too much long after that, they welcomed their second child, Julie Ruth in 1959. With Bob's teaching and coaching career on the rise, they moved their family to Vashon Island for six years. It was there that they welcomed their third child, Jeffrey Robert in 1966. Ruth was a very supportive coach's wife. She attended every basketball game and when games would get close she would sneak into the bathroom and flush the toilet so she couldn't hear what the score was. Bob and Ruth welcomed their fourth child, Jason Elmer, in 1972. They then made their home in Colfax where Ruth cared for the children and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. Ruth also would spend time caregiving at the Wheat and Barley and was a private caregiver for 10 years. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Bob at their Colfax home; her three children, Julie Ruth (John) of Peach Tree City, Georgia; Jeffrey Robert (Kristen Lee) Bafus of Woodinville, WA; and Jason Elmer (Stefanie) Bafus of Ephrata; WA; eight grandchildren; Kristopher (Jessica), Erik (Angie), Megan, Curtis, Lukas, Luis, Jakob and Gabbie-Grace; five great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Jagger, Aria, Dylon, and Maddie-Rose; and two siblings, Floyd Morasch of St. John, WA, and Alice Stover of Auburn, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents and is reunited with her oldest son, Randy Robert. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Peace Lutheran Church.