Obituary of Ruth Gabriel

A memorial service remembering Ruth N. Gabriel, who passed away March 19th at the age of 97 years, 4 months and 9 days, will be held at 1:30 p.m. May 1st at Bethel Church, Washougal, WA. Ruth Irene Nelson was born, to Albert and Jessie Nelson, in Cascade Locks, Oregon, November 10, 1908. During her early childhood, her most vivid memories were of the construction of the Columbia River Highway since there was a construction camp on their farm. Part of her chores was delivering eggs, milk and vegetables produced by their farm which her father and mother had sold to families in town. In 1919 her family moved from Cascade Locks to Tillamook, Oregon. Her father had purchased land on McKinster Road next to the Wilson River where he raised dairy cattle. She graduated from Tillamook High School in the Class of 1925. She continued her education at Oregon Normal School (now Western Oregon College) in Monmouth, OR where she earned her teaching credentials in 1927. She taught at Wilson School in Tillamook for 5 years. In 1929, she was crowned Queen Ruth I of the Tillamook County Fair. In June 1931, she married Alfred E "Pete" Gabriel. He passed away in August of 1998 after 67 years of marriage. They moved to Washougal, WA in 1938 where they owned the Red and White Grocery Store. In 1950, they moved to Bend, OR where they owned Mel's Motel. In 1952 they moved to Portland and in 1954 to Prineville, OR where they owned Ochoco Hardware. Ruth returned to teaching in Prineville and taught at Crooked River Grade School. She continued her education and received her BA from OCE in 1959. In 1960, Pete and Ruth moved back to Washougal, WA where she taught 3rd grade and became the first school librarian. While in Washougal, she completed her studies by earning her 5th year credentials from Portland State University. She retired in 1973. In her early retirement years, she and Pete enjoyed their lovely home on the Washougal River, traveling to Yuma, AZ and Hemet, CA during the winter months to enjoy times with friends both old and new. She enjoyed music, gardening, playing cards, and reading. She was a member of Bethel Church, Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, Rebekahs, Camas-Washougal Business and Professional Women and a founding member of Orchard Hills Golf Club She is survived by her children: Ellamae (Lawrence) Mayfield of Prineville, Diana (Stanley) Loop of Lake Oswego, OR, Lyndon (Carol) Gabriel of Vancouver, WA, and George (Karen) Gabriel of Beaverton, OR, 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Remembrances may be made to Tillamook County Library, 210 Ivy or Tillamook County Pioneer Association, 2106 Second St., Tillamook, Oregon 97141. Brown's Funeral Home in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements.