Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Georgia Barrutia 92 passed away May 24th, 2024. She was born in Gooding, Idaho and was the firstborn of eight children.
Georgia’s early life was shaped by the hard financial times of the Great Depression. Her family struggled to make their living by sheep herding and farming. She grew up doing regular farm chores and helping care for her younger siblings. Her father was an immigrant, and her mother was born to an immigrant family (all from Basque-Country Spain).
She graduated from High School having just turned 17. Then immediately began working for Sears and Robuck Co. in the children’s dept. She met Ralph Barrutia in June 1950; he got his draft notice in August, so they married in early September. He reported to the U.S. Army Basic Training in October. Ralph served out his two-year military duty in the Korean War, returning to civilian life in August of 1952.
Ralph and Georgia had three sons in the next 3-1/2 years. They moved 7-times during the next 10-years for Ralph to gain experience and promotions at 4-hydro-electric power plants. They settled in Brewster for the next 50 years where they bought raw acreage and planted an apple orchard.
They designed and built a home on the Brewster Flats, moving into it while it was only a shell. Over the next 7 years, they worked nights and weekends to complete its construction. This experience taught their three boys many construction and farming skills.
Georgia enjoyed working as a bilingual Teacher’s Aide with 1st grade Hispanic children. She helped them learn English and translate their lessons. She was later employed to clean the local dentist office and sanitize instruments. She and Ralph also helped many Migrant workers on their farm with their legal documents, daily needs and to guide them through the U.S. Citizenship process.
Georgia’s love-language was cooking and canning fruits for others. She and Ralph enjoyed traveling and snow-birding. They traveled together to Canada, Basque-Country Spain, Venezuela, and Mexico. They also visited numerous National Parks.
Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings and Ralph (married 69 years). She is survived by her sons Arsen (Holly), Gene (Doreen), Rich (Bobbi), 8-grandchildren, 19-great grandchildren, her siblings Fred, Helen & Dianna (Ken) and 16-nephews & nieces and their families.
Georgia’s viewing and visitation will be held before the funeral mass from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brewster. Her funeral will immediately follow the viewing on Tuesday, June 18th at 10:00AM at the Brewster Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 214 Fifth St. S., Brewster, WA. Interment will be at 11AM at Locust Grove Cemetery. A lunch reception will be held at the Brewster Legion.
Please leave any thoughts and memories for the family at www.barneschapel.com. Services are entrusted to Barnes Chapel of Brewster.
