Ruth was born Ruth Smith in Hopewell, Ore., and later lived in Tillamook and Salem prior to settling in Portland, where she married her first husband, Vernon Gertz. They had three children: Carol, Don and Ken. She loved her family and was happy to see her children married with lives of their own, but always made sure the family stayed connected. After Vernon’s death, Ruth met and married Ken Arrell (who also preceded her in death). With Ken, she was able to do the traveling she had dreamed of. She led a rich life filled with her loves: Family, church, music, flowers and travel. Ruth was a gracious, strong and giving lady. She is survived by her children, their spouses, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Ruth will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Make A Wish Foundation or Norwood Bible Church. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 2 at Pacific Pointe Retirement Inn in King City, at 3 p.m.
