Ruth B. Underwood AtkinsonOctober 24, 1924 - February 7, 2015Ruth was born on October 24, 1924 in Greenville, South Carolina, the youngest of nine children, to William Franklin and Virginia Margaret (King) Underwood. She passed away early Saturday evening on February 7th, 2015 at home with her daughter Ellen Bergendorf, son Tim Atkinson and son-in-law Ray Lowe with her. When Ruth was two years old she moved with her parents and two closest sisters to Gadsden, Alabama where her mother ran a boarding house. In 1938 the family moved to Pocatello, Idaho, joining her older siblings. Ruth met Wayne E. Atkinson in 1939 at a party of mutual friends and they married on July 3, 1941 in Pocatello. Between 1943 and 1962 they were blessed with four daughters and twin sons. Ruth will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A "Southern gal" who made sure all felt welcome in her home and never left hungry; a bit of a prankster with a twinkle in her eye and a look only an angel could get away with. She could calm and rock a baby (both human and canine) to sleep within minutes. She was an avid quilter and looked forward to her church ladies quilting circle at her home every Monday. The many quilts they made over the years were donated and raffled for fundraising events and are enjoyed by many. She is survived by her daughters Catherine Jones, Ellen Bergendorf, and Lori (Steven) Medellin, sons Tim Atkinson & David (Gloria) Atkinson, son-in-law Raymond Lowe, eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Wayne Atkinson, her daughter Micalene Lowe, her parents and siblings Carmen, Ruby, Thelma, Therman, Bill, Baby Boy Underwood, Maggie, and Nootsy (Ila Jewel). The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the Encompass Home Health staff. Their care and support are without measure; the Central Christian Church family for the friendship, visits, notes and well wishes; and to the quilt ladies Carol, Sherrie, Toshiko, Beverly, Gail, Cindy and Ruth for their years of comradery.Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Christian Church, 918 E. Center St., Pocatello. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday evening, February 11, 2015 at Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, and one hour prior to services Thursday at Central Christian Church. Burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello.Arrangements are under the direction of Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, 232-0542. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com.
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