Captain Paul A. Ruth USN (Ret), 83

Captain Paul A. Ruth USN (Ret), 83, passed away on July 1, 2021, in Sandpoint, Idaho, surrounded by loving family.

He was born on February 5, 1938, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to the late Paul and Mae Ruth. He was a graduate of Allentown High School and the Naval Post Graduate School. As a naval officer, Paul’s career included assignments as a pilot, a physics instructor at the Naval Academy, and commanding officer of two aircraft squadrons.

After retiring from the Navy, Paul resided in his mountain-top home in Hope, Idaho, which he designed and helped build, and wintered in Jupiter, Florida. In addition to travel, skiing, dancing and sailing, Paul enjoyed bird watching, playing tennis and tackling a variety of home renovation projects. Paul loved people and made friends everywhere he went. He also contributed time as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and for the Sam Owen Fire District in Hope.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Julie) Ruth of Sammamish, Washington; his daughter, Kelley (Bob) Grassa of San Diego, California; and four grandchildren, Kevin (Meredith) Ruth, Erica (Ryan) Fiesta, Samuel and Jack Grassa, as well as his long-term partner, Catherine Kittleson. Paul is also survived by his brother, Ralph; and sister, Patricia (Michael) Shea; nephews, niece, and his Allentown Ruth cousins. He leaves behind many friends made over a lifetime.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Paul’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guestbook.

Paul volunteered as a boy at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near his home in Allentown, and often called his mountain home in Idaho his own personal Hawk Mountain. Donations may be made in his honor to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton PA 19529 or online at www.hawkmountain.org. He will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery with military honors at a later date.