Ruth Marie Bracken

Ruth Marie Bracken was born in Overton, Nebraska to Ralph and Helen (Tillotson) Potter. Along with her siblings (Dean, Sarah, Ron, and Earnest) she was raised as a farm kid who spent her childhood helping with the animals, gardening and canning, and sewing. Ruth also found time to become an accomplished pianist. She moved to California to finish high school and attend college to be educated as a bookkeeper. She met and married Dale Atwood and started a family. Together, they raised Cyndie and Rob in the California Bay Area, eventually relocating to Corvallis, Oregon with the opening of Hewlett-Packard. Dale and Ruth divorced after the kids started their own families.

Ruth moved back to the Bay Area where she reconnected with a longtime friend, Robert Bracken. They were married in a small ceremony at their home, witnessed by dear friends, Len and Sharon Butterfield. They lived there for several years before moving to Corvallis to be closer Ruth's family. Ruth and Bob shared a lot of love and laughter together until Bob passed away. Ruth moved to La Pine, Oregon to be near Cyndie and her husband, Alan. Ruth lived there until she lost interest in the snow and cold in La Pine, saying it was too much like Nebraska. She moved back to Corvallis where she liked living a life of luxury at Regency Park Place, enjoying the friendship of residents and staff. Ruth passed away quietly in her home with her children at her side.

Ruth is survived by her daughter: Cyndie (Alan Gill), son: Rob Atwood (Angie), and grandson: Raiden. Cyndie's fondest memory of her mom is the proficiency and patience she showed with their shared love of music; with Ruth providing piano accompaniment during Cyndie's oboe and flute practice. Rob's favorite memories are about her unwavering support of her kids; whether it was music lessons, roller skating lessons or Boy Scouts.

According to Ruth's wishes, a memorial service will not be held. Family and friends are encouraged to reminisce and recall their loving memories of our dear Mom, Grandma, Aunt, and friend, Ruth, Ruthie and Mama Ruth.