Ruth Brownlee

Ruth Brownlee, 69, passed away from complications of cardiac arrest on March 24, 2025, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where she had resided for over 45 years. Born on December 20, 1955, in Jerome, Idaho to Darrell Eugene and Grace Williams Brownlee, she was the youngest of six children. Ruth was a graduate of Jerome High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Idaho State University.

Ruth moved to Coeur d’ Alene in 1980. She started her career at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in dispatch that same year. She took a position with The State of Idaho, Adult Probation and Parole and served as Felony Probation and Parole officer. She also helped implement and co-ordinate, with Judge Marino, the Kootenai County Drug court program. Ruth was proud of the successes that came from that program. For many years there were three members of the Brownlee family serving in Law Enforcement in the Coeur d’ Alene area (Brother Willis and nephew Todd). Ruth, herself, proudly served for 31 years in Law Enforcement.

Ruth was always up for an adventure, loved traveling, being on or near the water, seeking out foodie opportunities, and happiest when spending time with her family and friends.

In retirement, Ruth enjoyed many adventures. She went on a Caribbean cruise with friends, a cruise with Anita, Grace and Darrell through the Panama Canal. She visited Paris and Italy with John and Jimmie and toured Germany and Amsterdam with Mary. Ruth spent many vacations to Mazatlán and Cabo. She visited Victoria, British Columbia and had a delightful trip on an Alaskan cruise.

Ruth looked forward to family reunions at Alturas Lake and getting caught up with all the family and family news. The nieces and great nieces loved having Ruth brush their hair and french braid it.

Over the last years Ruth loved watching Chelsie’s triplets grow, traveling to see Sydney play softball, and making her trips to Utah; stopping to see family and friends in Boise, then Twin Falls/Jerome before spending time with family in the Salt Lake area. If you were lucky, she would even return home with a box of fresh potatoes from Rupert, ID in appreciation of watching over her house and dog Mali while she was away.

We are truly thankful for Ruth’s amazing neighbors, friends, and family that supported and embraced her lifestyle. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Ruth is survived by her brother Willis (Anne) Brownlee, her sister Mary Deans,12 nieces and nephews, 28 great nieces and nephews, and 3 great-great nieces and nephew. She is proceeded in death by her parents Grace and Darrell, her brother Darrell Brownlee Jr., her sisters Anita Davenport Cushing and Donna Tea, one niece and one great nephew and one great niece.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Ruth’s memory.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Post Falls American Legion Post 0143, 1138 E. Poleline Ave. at 2 pm. Coffee and Dessert bar to follow.