Ruth Eldridge

Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Prineville Funeral Home. Noah Heinrich will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Juniper Haven Cemetery. Reception to follow at the VFW Hall, Post 1412 at 405 N. Main St. in Prineville.

Ruth was born in Clarkston, Washington on February 14, 1921 to Alvin & Rosebud (Brown) Benson. She and her mother traveled with her father on construction jobs until she started school in September of 1928, in a one room school house with all 8 grades. After her mother passed away in 1934, she moved to Portland and went to Grant High School. Then she moved to Oakland, California to live with a maiden Aunt and went to work for Bell Telephone as an Operator.

Ruth married Ralph Nelson in 1941 and to this union was born one daughter; Ruth Ellen Nelson. In October of 1945.

They were later divorced, Ruth went back to Portland, Oregon and went to work for 1st National Bank as a teller from there , she was transferred to Prineville to work as a Vault teller at Prineville’s new 1st National Bank .

Ruth met Gordon ‘Wayne’ Eldridge while working there and they married on May 7, 1954 in Prineville. She continued to work at the Bank until February 1956 when their son Alvin was born. Then in September 1957, Linda was born. In 1959 she worked as hostess in the dining room at Kings Café. After leaving there, she took her LPN nurses training at COCC with four other ladies from Prineville. They graduated in September 1969. She worked in the old Bend Hospital in training, then full time at Pioneer Memorial in Prineville for 26 years.

She sometimes was called to Redmond Hospital when they were shorthanded on night shift in Intensive care.

After retiring Ruth & Wayne worked in Community Service with the State of Oregon Food Program and Seventh Day Adventist Church in their free clothing program for 13 years. And also the V.F.W & Auxiliary’s Christmas Food Box program.

Ruth was very active in the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She went thru all local and district offices and was a state officer for 10 years.

She loved family get-togethers for Birthdays and Holidays and every time was special with her family. Ruth loved helping others and her church family. She enjoyed picnicking, fishing, hunting, reading and music. Ruth will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her daughters; Linda L. & her husband, Spencer Brown of Powell Butte, Oregon, and Ruth Ellen Gore of Prineville. Son; Alvin W. & his wife Diane Eldridge of Trinidad, Colorado, and step son; Samuel & his wife Sheila Eldridge of Olympia, Washington. Brother in law; Ron Eldridge & his wife Janet of Prineville.

sister; Alvyne & her husband Stan Leonard of Prineville. 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and six great- great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews, and one great granddaughter on the way.

She was preceded in death by parents, her husband of 57 years; Gordon “Wayne” Eldridge, a step brother Edward Winn, a sister-in-law Roberta Winn, and a niece; Vicki Eldridge

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Prineville Funeral Home.

Please visit www.PrinevilleFuneralHome.com to share your memories or express your condolences by signing the on-line Guest Book.