Ruth Jewell Gardner

July 26, 1923 – July 31, 2015

Ruth Jewell Gardner was born on July 26, 1923, to Charles R. and Nellie Ruth (Roberts) Gardner on a small farm in Battleground, Washington. The family moved to Sedalia, Missouri soon after her birth where they resided for a few years before returning to the northwest to settle in Portland, Oregon.

Ruth received her education in the Portland area. After graduating from Powellhurst Grade in 1937 and Gresham High School in 1941, she attended and graduated from Benke Walker Business School. Ruth immediately began her career working for an attorney, Bonneville Power, and Pacific Northwest Bell. While at PNB she worked in the Treasury Department and was Supervisor for multiple years. After 38 years of service she retired in December 1983.

Ruth enjoyed participating on company softball and bowling teams, and traveling with family and numerous friends from work. The Oregon Coast was a favorite destination, but she was game for motoring across country, taking the train to San Francisco, flying to Europe, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, or Africa, cruising the Caribbean or Hawaii, or any combination of the above.

Family was a central part of Ruth’s life. Most of them fondly called her ‘Jewell’ following her father and mother’s lead. Everyone loved her and seemed to check-in and visit with her often. She kept meticulous notes of each conversation. This allowed her to accurately pass on everyone’s activities and schedules to the next caller. Ruth took every opportunity to spend time with any of her loved ones. She was definitely the ‘hub of the family wheel’.

After a year of declining health Ruth passed away at her home on July 31st with family members at her side. Just to mark this special day for her there was a very rare Blue Moon.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Charles R. and N. Ruth, Portland, OR; brother, Kenneth R., Portland, OR; sisters Lois L. Haines, Portland, OR, and M. Maxine Vail, Nampa, ID. She is survived by brothers, C. Jonathan, J. Vernon, and David R., all of Portland, OR; 9 nieces and nephews, 21 grand nieces and nephews, and 18 great-grand nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.