Ruth T Godfrey

Ruth Godfrey passed away on July 14, 2017 at the age of 96. Born Sept 12, 1920 to Herman and Ruth Talley in Rockdale, Texas; she lived her early life in Rockdale, Houston, and El Paso, Texas. She attended University of Texas in El Paso and Texas Women’s University in Denton, majoring in foods and nutrition. She married Frank W. Godfrey in 1940 in San Francisco. After his army discharge in 1947, the family moved to Portland, Oregon. She taught pre-school at St. Helen’s Hall (now called Oregon Episcopal school). The family was transferred to Anchorage, Alaska in June 1964 three months after the big Alaska earthquake. Two years later, she and her husband founded Machinery & Drill Steel Co. where she worked as a bookkeeper. After 14 years in Anchorage, they retired to Sequim, WA. She lived 36 years in Sequim and then returned to Portland in 2014 where she enjoyed her apartment and all of the staff at Raleigh Hills Assisted Living. Her favorite activities included motorhome treks throughout the country, Mexico, and Canada including 16 trips over the Alaska Highway. She enjoyed playing bridge, baking, knitting, and sewing. She is preceded in death by her husband in 2000 and was married for almost 60 years, her 23 year old son Frank Jr. who lost his life on Eklutna Glacier north of Anchorage in 1966, and her sister Bettye McGehee of Portland in 2016. She is survived by her son Tim Godfrey of Portland and many nieces and nephews. Special recognition to all the caregivers with Serenity Home Care of Beaverton, who pampered Ruth with compassionate care these last two months. Graveside services will be held for friends and family Tuesday, June 25th at Finley Sunset Hills Memorial Park, to be officiated by Canada Taylor. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice Care of the Northwest in Portland; Faith Foundation – Sequim Community Church, 950 N. 5th Ave, Sequim WA, 98382; any Humane Society; or to any charity of donor’s choice.