1917
Ruthann
2012
Ruthann Eyer
October 7, 1917 — May 21, 2012
Ruthann was born in Hanna Wyoming. She moved to Svensen Oregon at age 8 with her mother Lempi, stepfather John Hynen, sister Nellie and step brothers
Arvi and Harold, all of whom have been waiting to welcome her to her newhome. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her Knappa-Svensen class, winning spelling bees throughout her school career. Her love of spelling and education was lifelong.
She moved to Portland, living in an apartment whose previous occupant was Clark Gable. Is it any surprise that Gone With The Wind was her favorite
movie?
After graduation from business college Ruthann worked as a switchboard operator at the Heathman. Her next job was in Linnton at Clark Wilson Lumber
where in 1938 she met her life-long friend Agnes DeFreitas, who survives her and misses her.
In 1940 she married Ralph Leon Eyer. They had two children: Linda Rasmussen and Michael Eyer. 1952 saw Ruthann begin her career at Union Pacific where she stayed until her retirement in 1980. During her railroad time she served terms as President of her union. A national article on "Women in Railroading" several years ago featured her story. At the railroad she met Joyce Jakes and Virginia Ammons,
who became lifelong friends. The three of them traveled the world, sharing great times.
After retirement she became one of the first volunteers at Albertina Kerr, working at the Economy Jar. She second-careered there for 31 years.
Ruthann loved to play pinochle, "single deck only". On weekends she lived up to the title on her business card: G.S.E., garage sale expert.
She is survived by her daughter, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and husband; their three children, and her current calico cat, all of whom over the
decades have been named Raspberry. Ruthann will be remembered by her many friends and all those who had the opportunity to know her.
A memorial will be held at Moreland Presbyterian May 30th at 11am.
In lieu of flowers the family requests remembrances to Albertina Kerr or the Caravan Mission Trip Fund at Moreland Presbyterian.
Arvi and Harold, all of whom have been waiting to welcome her to her newhome. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her Knappa-Svensen class, winning spelling bees throughout her school career. Her love of spelling and education was lifelong.
She moved to Portland, living in an apartment whose previous occupant was Clark Gable. Is it any surprise that Gone With The Wind was her favorite
movie?
After graduation from business college Ruthann worked as a switchboard operator at the Heathman. Her next job was in Linnton at Clark Wilson Lumber
where in 1938 she met her life-long friend Agnes DeFreitas, who survives her and misses her.
In 1940 she married Ralph Leon Eyer. They had two children: Linda Rasmussen and Michael Eyer. 1952 saw Ruthann begin her career at Union Pacific where she stayed until her retirement in 1980. During her railroad time she served terms as President of her union. A national article on "Women in Railroading" several years ago featured her story. At the railroad she met Joyce Jakes and Virginia Ammons,
who became lifelong friends. The three of them traveled the world, sharing great times.
After retirement she became one of the first volunteers at Albertina Kerr, working at the Economy Jar. She second-careered there for 31 years.
Ruthann loved to play pinochle, "single deck only". On weekends she lived up to the title on her business card: G.S.E., garage sale expert.
She is survived by her daughter, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and husband; their three children, and her current calico cat, all of whom over the
decades have been named Raspberry. Ruthann will be remembered by her many friends and all those who had the opportunity to know her.
A memorial will be held at Moreland Presbyterian May 30th at 11am.
In lieu of flowers the family requests remembrances to Albertina Kerr or the Caravan Mission Trip Fund at Moreland Presbyterian.
Service
Rose City Funeral Home
5625 Northeast Fremont Street
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 11:00 AM
Cemetery
Private
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