Aleta C. Woodruff

Obituary of Aleta Cumins Woodruff

Aleta Cumins Woodruff passed away quietly at her home surrounded by her family’s love, Friday, April 17, 2015, she was 91. Born October 2, 1923, Aleta was a Portland girl from the start. She was also proud of her heritage as an Oregonian, as her grandfather left Missouri at the age of 12 on a wagon train to settle here. Aleta graduated from Jefferson High School and married Lewis Franklin Woodruff, just in time for World War II. While Lewis was in the Pacific on a destroyer Aleta worked to pay for the mortgage on their new home. After the war when their children were born she was a full time mother involving herself in school and community until both children completed school. Afterwards Aleta took up a career as a publishing proof reader for the next 27 years as well as becoming more active in her community. In 2002 Mayor Vera Katz presented her with “Portland’s Citizen of the Year” award for her contributions to City Hall and Metro. Retirement and Lewis’ passing started a new chapter in her life filled with cruise ships and foreign ports all over the world, and a 40 hour a week volunteer job as assistant Tour Director with the Salvation Army Rose Center. Aleta enjoyed this the most of everything she’d done and was deeply saddened when after 13 years was forced by illness to give it up. She was 88 years young at the time.

Aleta is survived by her son; Larry, grandsons; Gabriel and Zachariah Woodruff and their families all living in Portland and preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Lewis and their daughter, Laura. The family would like to thank the caregivers for their compassion and love. Aleta’s last 18 ^th months were filled with understanding, comfort and quite a few laughs.  Funeral Services will be held at Rose City Funeral Home, 5625 NE Fremont St.; 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28 ^th with visitation Monday from 1 to 5 pm.   503-281-3821