SPOKANE, Wash. — More than forty years after her remains were located in the Spokane River, Ruth Belle Waymire finally has a proper headstone to mark her final resting place.
This tragic story began in June of 1984 when some fisherman found a woman’s torso in the water. Fourteen years later, a skull belonging to the same victim was found on the lower south hill. Investigators knew the remains were from the same female victim, but were unable to positively identify her and she remained a Jane Doe. Spokane Police and the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office never gave up. Last year, with help from the company Othram, genetic genealogy revealed the victim’s name was Ruth Belle Waymire.
Ruth was just 24 years old when detectives believe she was killed, dismembered and dumped in multiple locations. Her killer has never been identified. They believe she had given birth approximately a year before she was murdered, but have never tracked that person down.
The community was so touched by Ruth’s story they worked to give her a proper headstone. On Friday, that was unveiled with a gathering to pay respects as well.
JulieAnn Rau, Ruth’s second cousin, was among four family members who were present for the event. JulieAnn is related to Ruth on her father’s side of the family. She was robbed of ever getting to meet her. She said the event and support meant a great deal to all of them.
“It’s comforting to know she is finally at peace,” Rau said. “She has her birth name and knows there are family members who love her.”
The headstone has Ruth’s full name and the dates 1960 – 1984.
“It is so beautiful,” she said. “In the bottom it has the sweetest verse, ‘always remembered.’ It’s precious.”
The headstone ensures there is a final resting place where they can gather. While it does bring some level of peace, they still are hopeful one day justice will come. If anyone out there has critical information, they urge them to come forward.
“Maybe it’s little to them but could be huge in solving this case,” Rau said.
If you can help, call 509.456.2233. The Spokane Police Department continues to work this case.
