M. Ruth Kerr

M. Ruth Kerr, 88, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on March 17, 2012 in Salem, Oregon. She was born June 15, 1923 in Browntown, Wisconsin, to the late Fred and Gertrude Brog. When Ruth was 8, her family moved to Star Valley, Wyoming. At 17, Ruth moved to White Salmon, Washington to work in the Brog Creamery with her sister, Trudi. At 18, she relocated to Seattle, Washington to work for Boeing; but it was her last and most rewarding move when she met the love of her life, Kenneth Kerr, on a blind date in Portland, Oregon. They were married six months later on January 6, 1947, at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church in Portland. The newlyweds were transferred to Omaha, Nebraska where they started their family, and Ruth changed her career path to stay home and raise their two daughters, Patti and Susan.

Ruth loved her life as a homemaker and also enjoyed many hobbies. She spent much of her time sewing, knitting and crocheting. She was an avid photographer and she enjoyed the position of family historian. She also made beautiful greeting cards, loved gardening and reading. Ruth and Ken spent many years traveling the United States and Canada in their motor home. They enjoyed the company of many friends who were fellow travelers from the Order of Eastern Star, Masonic Order and Shriners.

Ruth was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Ken Kerr; daughter ,Patti and husband, Dr. Lou Blettel, daughter, Susan and husband, Jack Newman; granddaughters, Holly Marshall, Jennifer Newgard, and husband David Newgard; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Hunter, and Regan Johnson, and Colin Newgard; her nephews, Bob and Tom Cravens, sister, Rose Marie and niece, Myra.

A memorial service for Ruth will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 1:30pm at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Gladstone, Oregon. All are welcome to attend. Private family inurnment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery the preceding week. The family suggests that all remember Ruth as the loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend that she was.