Ruth Abbott Norene

1913 - 2014

Norene, Ruth Abbott 100 Nov. 08, 1913 July 09, 2014 Ruth was born Nov. 8, 1913, and went home to be with the Lord July 9, 2014. She was the oldest child born to Clyde and Viva Abbott in Blackfoot, Idaho. She was followed by younger brothers, George and Harold. The family moved to Gering, Neb, then to Basin, Wyo., and then in 1925, to Casper, Wyo. In 1930, due to the Depression, the family moved to Portland to live with relatives. Ruth enrolled at Lincoln High School for her senior year and graduated in 1931. She then completed secretarial training at Northwestern School of Commerce where she learned typing and shorthand. In 1936, while riding home on the streetcar from night school, Ruth met Norman Norene. Together they enjoyed skiing at Mt. Hood, the Oregon Coast beaches and dancing. On Aug. 27, 1939, Ruth and Norman were married. Together, they raised three children in Northeast Portland. Ruth was a housewife and an actively involved member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. With her children in school, Ruth began working as a secretary at Emanuel Hospital in 1956, and then at Collins Pine in 1966. Ruth retired in 1978. The family moved to Vancouver in 1960 and later to Beaverton. Ruth moved to King City in 1989, and enjoyed daily swimming at the community pool. Ruth's retirement included membership at Calvin Presbyterian Church, Tigard. She was also a member of PEO, Daughters of the American Revolution and Republican Women. While in Oregon, Ruth's life revolved around friendships, participation in service groups and world travel. In 2005, Ruth moved to Pacific Pointe Retirement Inn in King City. Then, in 2007, Ruth moved to the Courtyard at Cristwood Assisted Living in Shoreline, Wash., to be near her daughter. She thrived at Cristwood, enjoying walks on the beautiful campus and the friendship of the Christian residents and staff. Ruth's friends and family remember her dry sense of humor, wit, adventurous spirit, focused listening ability, honesty, independence, friendliness and unconditional love. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; son, Martin; and brothers, George and Harold. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Carol Miller (Jack); son, Richard Norene (Wenda Shinall); grandchildren, Steven, William, Blake, Valerie and Nicholas; and five great-grandchildren. An interment will be in Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund, Crista Ministries, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline, WA 98133 or to your favorite charity. Please visit her memorial at: acaciafuneralhome.com.