April 4, 1922-April 6, 2015
Ruth Brown passed away peacefully on April 6 in Vancouver, WA, where she had been lovingly tended by her oldest granddaughter, Julie Able. She was born in Cosmopolis, WA, to Dale and Ada Fullerton, 2nd of 12 children. The family later moved to Port Gable where she grew up. Ruth graduated from North Kitsap Union High School where she was a cheerleader, member of National Honor Society, on the yearbook staff, and in choir. She met Don Brown who was working at the mill in Port Gamble, and they married in the Episcopal Church in October 1940. The newlyweds lived briefly in Seattle before moving to Seaside, OR, and later to Sweet Home, OR.
In 1951, the Browns moved to Eugene, OR, which became their permanent home. Ruth worked for many years at the University of Oregon, retiring in 1985. She and Don enjoyed the Oregon coast and trips to other parts of the country, including the east coast and Hawaii. She cared for Don throughout a more-than 10-year period of decline until his death.
Ruth is remembered for being a caring and involved mother, grandmother, and friend; her generosity, her tireless energy, impeccable housekeeping, wonderful baking/candy making/gardening/vegetables. Her concern and caring for all her family and friends was apparent in that she never failed to send birthday cards to everyone she knew, prepare food for anyone who was ill, or help problem-solve when there was need.
Ruth was preceded in death by husband Don in 1998, brothers Dale, Edwin, John, Thomas, Bob, Ray and sisters June and Esther. She is survived by sisters Margaret, Bette, Mary; daughters Judie Kasnick of Poulsbo and Susan (Glen) Bowden of Rogue River, OR; grandchildren Julie (Chris) Able, Kari Schibler, Laurie Hillenbrand, Chris Schibler, Tiffany Schibler, Michael Snelson and Dan (Rachel) Snelson; 6 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was moved from the family home in Eugene in 2011 to be near her granddaughter Julie in Vancouver.
At her request, there will be no formal service. Family will gather to scatter ashes at the Oregon Coast and in Port Gamble at a later date. Remembrances may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 440 Maxwell Rd., Eugene, OR 97404.
