Roadside memorial for Ruth N. Toliver, driver in Puget Ridge crash

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Two weeks ago, we reported briefly on a driver who had crashed into a tree atop a greenbelt slope in the 4800 block of 21st SW on Puget Ridge. No major investigation followed; the car was soon towed, after its driver was taken to the hospital with what sounded, from emergency-radio communications, non-life-threatening injuries. But now a roadside memorial has appeared, on and beneath the tree hit that morning, and we thereby have learned the driver, 91-year-old Ruth Naomi Toliver, did not survive. Her name and photo are part of the memorial; we have found only a very brief obituary for Ms. Toliver (on a small Texas town’s paywalled news site), which says she was born November 8, 1922, in St. Louis, and died the day of the crash, March 9, at Harborview Medical Center. (The roadside memorial lists the same dates.) Public records show a Highland Park address for Ms. Toliver; the online obituary suggests memorial donations to (the former) Community Services for the Blind.

West Seattle Hipster March 23, 2014 (4:15 pm)

R.I.P, sad story.

PigeonPoint Ben March 23, 2014 (6:25 pm)

Condolences to her family and friends. We were leaving home when we saw a woman, on her phone, running up to our mailbox to look at the address. We then saw the car at the tree and stopped to see if we could help the very nice couple who were on the line with 911. Ms. Toliver was conscious but unable to communicate at all. It seemed to me that she had experienced a medical event in addition to the accident. Though she did not seem to be in any pain or distress, it was very upsetting to be with her in those moments before SFD arrived. It means a lot to me to see this memorial here, knowing she is being remembered by loved ones. Again, condolences.

Cheryl March 24, 2014 (9:02 am)

Once again we see the caring and “the class” displayed by the people in our small neighborhood. It is sad to think of Ms. Toliver passing away, but we can all be glass at how supported she must have felt to know that the people surrounding her were caring about her. I am glad that I live in a neighborhood where people are willing to step beyond their comfort zone to reach out to others in their time of need.

Kari March 25, 2014 (8:16 pm)

I didn’t know this had happened but live nearby. It’s very sad and my condolences to her family. I was very touched by the thoughtfulness that was put into this memorial by her family and friends . Every time I drive by it I can see more flowers and ribbons have been added. Ruth Toliver must have been someone very special and it’s really heartwarming to see her family and friends show their appreciation of her with the memorial they’ve made for her.

Ptricia ingram March 26, 2014 (12:06 am)

Live on Pidgeon Point and saw the memorial
yesterday . Am very sorry to hear of the passing
of Ms. Toliver. Prayers said for her family and
friends. .

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