Ruth Eleanor Forsyth Brown Didier

June 29, 1931 – May 4, 2011

Ruth went home to be with Jesus on a beautiful spring day. We are sure her homecoming was more dazzling than even the most beautiful day of her life with us. She passed away at the age of 79 due to vascular dementia.

Ruth was born to Lester Irving and Mabel Alta (Coleman) Brown in Mathews, South Dakota on June 29, 1931. Ruth was the third child and only daughter. Even in the midst of five brothers she could hold her own with all of them! The family moved often before eventually settling down in Spokane Washington in the late-40s. She graduated from John R Rogers High School in 1949 and was very active in the Hillyard Church of God congregation as a youth and adult.

Ruth married Eldon E. Forsyth in 1956. They soon moved to Seattle and then on to Portland Oregon in 1964 where they raised their three children. Eldon passed away in 1977.

Ruth and Eldon were part of the 1966 church plant that was to become Tigard Church of God. They were very active, serving the church in many ways. Ruth enjoyed music and was part of the church choir as long as she was able.

Ruth operated a family business with Eldon until shortly after his death. She subsequently worked her way through the many iterations of “The Phone Company” for 21 years, retiring from U S West in 1992.

Ruth married Joseph B. Didier in 1978; he preceded her in death in 1979.

Ruth enjoyed knitting, embroidery, crochet, and cross-stitch. Many of the pieces she did adorned the walls of her home and those of her children.

Ruth lived in Southeast Portland, North Portland and Tigard – always establishing roots within the different churches she attended. She also had a special place in her heart for the Warner Pacific College community. Wherever she was, she always yearned for her friends “across town”.

Since 2006 Ruth lived at Courtyard Senior Living and then Encore Senior Village. Ruth never lost her sense of humor – always smiling and ready with her wit. She endeared herself deeply to all who cared for her. We are especially grateful for the love given her in her last months at Encore. She will be greatly missed by those her life touched.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Mable Brown, husband Eldon Forsyth, husband Joe Didier, and two brothers, Calvin E. Brown and Merle L. Brown. She is survived by her three children, Karen Sue Helt (Chris) of Fort Collins, CO, Teresa Joy Freeman (Todd) of Portland, OR and Timothy Eugene Forsyth (Julie) of Portland, OR; three brothers, Jim Brown, Keith Brown and Jerry Brown; eight grandchildren, Sara, Matt, Mike, Kayla, Kiersten, Doug, Erin and Tim; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service and reception will be held on May 18th, 2011 at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR. We look forward to celebrating her life and sharing memories of Ruth with her friends and family. Visitation will be held on May 17th, also at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.