Ruby Mae Gustafson Gensler's Obituary
On Monday, October 1,2024, Ruby Mae (Mittleider) Gustafson Gensler, a loving mother of five boys,
listening ear, and friend to many, passed away at the age of 97.
Ruby was born December 3, 1926, to Jacob and Emilia Mittleider of Turtle Lake, North Dakota and was
the last living of their six children. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Warren, in 1993.
Ruby married Warren Gustafson of Underwood, North Dakota in 1946. After a winter visit to
Washington state, where Warren and Ruby found the weather wet with mild temperatures, they
decided to move. Upon return to North Dakota, Ruby’s parents decided, they too, would move west
with them. After a spring farm sale, the two couples boarded a train from Bismarck with the
belongings they packed and could carry to start fresh in Washington. In the next few years three other
siblings, Ruth, Harry and Walter followed.
Ruby worked in Longview, at the In & Out restaurant as a waitress. Warren was transferred with
Safeway in 1959 to St. Helens, Oregon about 20 miles away. After moving, she continued her
waitressing working at The Kozy Korner and the Warren Drive Inn. Ruby also began selling Avon and
won sales awards and was asked to be a territory manager. However, an expanding family limited
those plans. Ruby’s public work made her well known in the community. She served on local election
boards, was active in the Parent Teacher Association and was a Cub Scouts den mother.
Ruby first became a grandma in 1980 and from then on, her grandchildren (7) provided her with
purpose and joy as she provided daycare and loved hosting overnight slumber parties at grandma’s.
Throughout her life Ruby enjoyed playing cards, marbles, family camping trips and clam digging on
the coast. She had a green thumb evidenced by her vegetable and flower gardens to which she was
always ready to give a tour.
Ruby was also crafty and talented with tole painting and crocheting. Crocheting was her forte. She
made hundreds of finely detailed pieces. She could look at a completed work and duplicate it. Her
friends and family all have pieces on display.
The coffee pot was always on at Ruby’s with fresh baked treats in the cupboard. She welcomed family
and friends to drop by to visit and enjoy.
Ruby is survived by her 5 boys, Rick (Nancy), Monte (Mary), Lorry (Jan), Tony (Terry), Cory (Jodie).
A graveside service will be held for family and close friends, Friday, October 25, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Columbia Memorial Gardens, Scappoose, Oregon.
A Celebration of Life will be immediately after the graveside service at St. Helens Elks Lodge 350 Belton Road St Helens, OR 97051.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruby?
Share a story where Ruby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruby you’ll never forget.
How did Ruby make you smile?