Ruth Mary Kyle

Ruth “Mary” Kyle passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day, 2026, surrounded by family who loved her deeply. Born as Ruth in 1942, she spent most of her life not so gently insisting that no one call her that. To her family, her friends, and anyone lucky enough to know her, she was simply and forever “Mary.”

Mary was the second of seven children and was raised by her beloved Grandma Chambers or “Granny,” a woman she spoke of often and with enduring affection. Some of Mary’s happiest childhood memories were spent in Granny’s garden, picking cucumbers and onions and eating green beans and snap peas straight from the soil. That simple pleasure became a lifelong staple — well into adulthood there was always a bowl of cucumbers and onions chilling in water in her refrigerator, ready for snacking and on every dinner plate.

Mary married the love of her life, John Kyle, in 1970. Together they created a warm and lively household filled with children, cousins, neighbors, and friends. In the late 1970s, Mary and John had an in-ground swimming pool installed in their backyard — a decision that instantly made their home the place to be every summer for the next two decades. Whether it was kids cannonballing off the edge or adults enjoying a cold beer after work (John more than Mary), the Kyles’ backyard became known for hospitality, laughter, and a steady parade of wet towels on the fence.

Mary spent her adult life working in commercial bakeries, a career she took great pride in. She began at Stricks Donuts on Monroe before moving to Boge Brothers Bakery on N. Ash, where she stayed until it was purchased by Franz in 1985. She then joined Hostess Bakery, where she was the baker behind the famous “Tiger Tales” — a special Twinkie with raspberry and coconut striping. Many family members and coworkers still talk about those treats with a kind of reverence that only a good bakery product can earn.

Later in life, after Mary’s car suffered one too many break-ins that had been happening for years and cost John and Mary hundreds of dollars in replacement windows, she and John made the very unpopular decision and  the pool’s glory days were over. They filled it in and built a large shop in its place so the cars could finally sleep in peace. The break-ins stopped, and the new era of “the Garage” began — proof that sometimes the practical choice comes with its own kind of charm.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John, her siblings Margaret and Sharon, and by her daughter Joey. She is survived by her siblings Mike (Renee), Ted (Chris), Bobby, and Dale; and a blended family of children and grandchildren who adored her. Together, John and Mary raised six children: Shannon; Ron (Terry); Tony (Stacie); Scottie; Pat; and Joey (deceased). Mary is also survived by 13 grandchildren, along with numerous great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy in her later years. Among them are John (Marlena); Jayme (Austin); Toni (Ory); Kaylyn (Brian); Stefan (Shannon); Conner (Olivia); Andrew; Brittney; Jennifer; Amy; Hannah; Morgan; and Gayle — each with growing families of their own, carrying forward Mary’s legacy in the way families do best: imperfectly, loudly, and with love.

Mary will be remembered for her generosity, her humor, her stubborn streak (which no one denies she had), and her deep affection for family. She was proud, loyal, and steadfast — the kind of woman who showed love by feeding you, worrying about you, and making sure you were properly dressed for the weather.

To say she will be missed is an understatement. She leaves behind not only those who loved her, but the laughter of summers by the pool, the smell of fresh bakery sweets, and the quiet memory of Granny’s garden — cucumbers, onions, and all.

A viewing will be held on Saturday January 17th at 10am at Heritage Funeral home located at 508 N Government Way Spokane, WA 99224 to be immediately followed by a graveside service held at Greenwood Memorial Terrace located across the street from Heritage Funeral Home.