Ruth Elaine Cross

Ruth Elaine Cross passed away in her home on December 14, 2016, aged 92. She was born on May 7, 1924 to Curtis and Elizabeth Follman in York, North Dakota. Ruth was born into a large family that lived and farmed near York, an hour south of Minot, North Dakota. She, like several of her sisters, graduated from Minot State Teachers College. She worked many years as a public school teacher, starting in North Dakota and Montana, then moving to Kelso, Wshington, and teaching 31 years in the Portland Public School System.

In 1950, Ruth married Raymond H. Cross, and together they had one child, Bonnie. Together, Ray and Ruth built a successful real estate and rental management business. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Bonnie J. McCaig and graddaughter Heather C McCaig, as well as by sisters Madge Alme (ND), Helen Guilbert (ND), and Tootie Iverson (CO). She is pre-deceased by her husband, Ray, sister Eileen, and brothers Bud and Bill.

Ruth had an active passion for gardening throughout her life. She also loved to golf and square dance with senior friends, and to practice Tai Chi. She was a long-time member of the Eagles Club. Ruth enjoyed traveling, and returned many times to visit family and friends in North Dakota.

Ruth grew up in a family that valued education. In those days, advanced education was not much encouraged within farming families, especially for the girls. Ruth used to relate a remark that a neighboring farmer made to Ruth's father, "Curt, if you educate them, those girls will never work on the farm!" Nevertheless, all the Follman girls went to College.

Remembrances may be made in Ruth's name to the Hollywood Senior Center in Portland, Oregon.