Ruth Irene Gardiner

Ruth was born February 16, 1925 to Marie Kuhn and Joseph Mayer in Portland, Oregon. Ruth was the fourth child, and the only to be born in the United States. Marie and Joseph immigrated to the United States from Strasbourg, France. Ruth’s siblings, Salome, Bertha and Joe were born in Strasbourg, France. While Marie traveled to the United States to meet her husband, Joseph, Bertha stayed with Marie’s mother in France. Sadly, Ruth never met her sister, Bertha. Marie named Ruth after her good friend. Marie, with her French accent, could not pronounce Ruth, but called her “Root”. Ruth attended Commerce High School (now Cleveland), where she majored in stenography.

Ruth’s job after high school was as a secretary in the shipyards, on Swan Island. It was there that she met Bob Gardiner. They were married in 1946. Bob and Ruth had 3 daughters, Joanne born in 1950, Delores born in 1952, and Sharon born in 1964. The family lived in Parkrose from 1960 until Ruth sold the house in 2009.

In 1970, Ruth began her 35 year career at Fred Meyers. Public Kindergarten was not offered in 1970 so Ruth decided to start working again so Sharon could attend Kindergarten. People would frequently stop Ruth in Portland, and out of town, and say they recognized her from Fred Meyer. This hard working, determined nature followed her through her life.

Family was always the most important thing to Ruth. Her most treasured times were spent with her children and grandchildren. Holidays were very special to Ruth. The house was always decorated for Christmas. She enjoyed preparing holiday meals. Birthday celebrations for each member of the family were a joy for Ruth. She would always ask on the phone “How are my little sweethearts?” inquiring about her grandchildren.

Ruth was a foodie before her time. Most of the stories and memories of Ruth involve food. First and foremost, Ruth was a fantastic cook. Her Potato Salad was world famous. She made the best Apple Pie. She was always trying new cookie recipes. She would frequently say “There isn’t anything in the house.” This meant, she didn’t have a desert made. Ruth loved trying new restaurants all over Portland. Ruth would ask Sharon’s children Michael and Emily, “Where are we going to lunch today?”

Ruth enjoyed traveling to the beach throughout her life. She also enjoyed traveling to Reno and Spirit Mountain to play the slot machines! Ruth was able to travel to Europe with Delores to visit with her nieces and nephews, and see where her family lived in Strasbourg, France. Many Sunday afternoons were spent driving through the gorge and stopping at Multnomah Falls, Rooster Rock, and the Char Burger in Cascade Locks.

Ruth was preceded in death by Bob, her husband of 60 years, and daughter Joanne. She is survived by daughter Delores Parkin, son in law Jim, granddaughters Lisa, and Jennifer, and great granddaughter Emma, daughter Sharon Rask, son in law Badih, grandson Michael and granddaughter Emily, granddaughter Michelle Avery and grandson Robert Avery.

I will never forget her smile, laugh, sense of humor, and singing “I Just Called To Say I Love You”.