Ruth (Ruthy) Lina Marlow passed away peacefully with her husband at her side on February 2, 2020. She was born on September 26, 1970, in Auburn, California, to Gary and Jeanne Zink. The family moved to Chico, California, before settling in Kent, Washington, in 1974. Ruthy attended schools in Covington and graduated from Sumner High School in 1989. Two years before graduating, she met the love of her life, Phillip Marlow. They were married on October 13, 1991.
They moved to Port Townsend in 1995.
Around 1999, Ruthy entered the candle business when she was hired at the Coyote Found Candles outlet store on Taylor Street. The store closed in 2002, and Ruthy founded The Candle Store in the Terry Building on Washington Street with her business partner that same year. In 2012, she became sole proprietor of the business. In 2013, she moved her shop to Port Townsend’s new Undertown on Taylor Street where The Candle Store featuring the Perfumerie still operates. In addition to candles, she also sold incense, fragrances, soaps, and consigned hand-crafted items made by Puget Sound artists. Most recently, the Marlows’ good friends and long-time employees have helped to keep the business running.
Ruthy’s love and exuberant spirit lit up the world! She was deeply loved. She was compassionate, a fine listener, a great cook, and was always ready with an infectious laugh. Throughout Port Townsend, her name is synonymous with The Candle Store. Everyone who loved Ruthy will miss her beyond words, so light a candle and know that she’s with you! Ruthy is survived by husband, Phillip E. Marlow, and two dogs Lola and Jett Marlow; father, Gary (Karen) Zink; mother, Jeanne Jett; sister, Becky Anderson; mother-in-law, Mary Wanner; aunt, “Aunty” Sue Wanner; two nephews; and many friends, whom she lovingly considered “family.” She was preceded in death by her beloved black Lab, Buddy.
A Celebration of Light is set - rain or shine - for Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Chetzemoka Park kitchen shelter from 3 p.m. to dusk. A short program of gratitude will begin at 4 p.m. Also, a large board and altar will be set up to display photos of you and Rockin’ Ruthy. Please bring a potluck dish to share or something to grill, and your favorite beverage to toast our Ruthy! A candlelight procession will follow the celebration at the Undertown stairs downtown at dusk. To receive an announcement for the gathering please email your text number or email address with subject “Ruthy Memorial” to porttownsend@hotmail.com.
If you’d like to donate to help pay for the celebration, go online to gofundme.com and search for “Ruthy Marlow Memorial.” Or donate to Ruthy’s favorite cause, the Center Valley Animal Rescue, at centervalleyanimalrescue.org/donate.
