Ruth B Woodward

May 16, 1930-September 27,2014

Ruth was the youngest of three daughters born to Fred and Anna Brandt. Her two older sisters had emigrated from Germany with their parents in 1928. Then on May 16, 1930 Ruth was born in America. She often spoke of how proud and grateful she was to be a native citizen. Her early childhood was spent in Woodbine, Kansas—a rural community where she tended to farm chores such as feeding chickens and herding cows. All the while she dreamed of escaping to a glamorous life in the city. She loved school and excelled in every subject. Soon, however, she discovered her giftedness in music and drama. Plays and musical productions at school and church became the highlight of those grammar school years and developed into a lifelong passion.

Much to Ruth’s delight the Brandts left Kansas and relocated to Beaverton, Oregon in 1941. She loved the new, green landscape and the fact that the “Big City” of Portland was nearby. Her family became active members of the Irving Park Church of God. She sang in the choir and often played the piano for services there. It was her participation in the 1946 Christmas pageant at church that Ruth first met the man of her dreams. Alfred Dietz fell head over heels for her as well and the two married the following year on August 24. This happy union was blessed with 4 adoring daughters: Debra Diane, Darlene Denise, Daphne Denita and Deanna Doreen. Fred and Anna Brandt’s close knit clan was soon bursting with fun-loving cousins.

Zealous in her motherhood, Ruth volunteered at her daughters’ school. Teachers and students were drawn to her bubbly enthusiasm. She also delighted in teaching Sunday School and helping to direct the Irving Park children’s choir. Soon she found that planning weddings for young couples at church was a wonderful outlet for utilizing her musicality and directorial skills. The ceremonies were very creative and so beautiful. It wasn’t long before she had requests to coordinate other functions—showers, anniversaries, funerals and holiday pageants.

Celebrations were a central theme of the family life Ruth and Al created for their girls. Easter, Christmas, birthdays, graduations and even losing a tooth would be cause for a party.

Outside the home, Ruth loved going to work. Perfection was the trademark for any job she undertook. Yaw’s Top Notch Restaurant, First Interstate Bank and Portland Adventist Medical Center all had a truly outstanding employee in Ruth. Her coworkers soon became devoted friends. They were often surprised by little treats, cards, or notes of encouragement. It took intense prompting by her children to convince Ruth it was time to retire at age 78…A decision that never really set well with her. Even though her daughters attempted to fill each day with entertaining outings and stimulating interactions, which often included yummy luncheons of course, the debilitating effects of dementia and alzheimers took their toll.

On September 27, 2014 Ruth very peacefully stepped into heaven surrounded by loving family members. Her vivacious spirit, joy, compassion, generosity and unconditional love leave a rich legacy for us to emulate .Thank you, Our Angel. We love you forever.

Ruth is survived by daughters; Debra NaSmythe and husband Perry, Darlene McCrea and her husband Dennis, Daphne Williams and her husband Darrell and DeAnna Thomas and her husband Michael. She will also be missed by her 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.