Agnes Mary Mason

Agnes Mason, born Feb. 5, 1921 in Viking, Alberta, Canada, the oldest and last member of the Louis Ruzicka, Sr. immediate family, died with loving care at St. Mary Medical Center on March 16 at age 94. Her parents were U.S. citizens, who were born in Nebraska and Oklahoma. Most of her schooling took place in Oregon.

She is survived by her daughter, Sr. Helen Mason, S.P. and numerous relatives in the U.S. and Canada including the families of Mary Ruzicka, Eleanor Ruzicka, Mary Jane Ruzicka, Louise Ruzicka Theriault, Bill Ruzicka, and Robyn Ruzicka Lopez. Agnes married Roland Mason in 1944. They later divorced. He died Sept. 18, 2003.

Agnes became a Providence Associate on August 5, 1982 and was one of the Walla Walla Regional Coordinators, member of St. Patrick Church, its Altar Society (serving as president from 1971-77), Catholic Daughters, 4-H leader and Camp Fire leader, and sang in the parish choir at one time. She worked as the secretary at St. Patrick’s Grade School for 28 years, then became the secretary for the religious education program when the school closed. She worked at Birds Eye many years ago besides always helping on the family farm.

Agnes loved flowers and gardening, was proud of her Czech heritage and could speak it fluently. Agnes was a hard worker and thought of others first. Agnes and Sr. Helen drove on many scenic trips and enjoyed their time together.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 1:00 PM until after the Rosary at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The Rosary will be recited on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 6:00 PM also at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Providence (Mother Joseph Province) or St. Patrick Church through the funeral home.