Ruth Ann Thornton's Obituary
Ruth “Ruthie” Ann Thornton passed away peacefully at her home in Scappoose, Oregon, on September 17th, 2023. She was 78 years old.
Ruth was born the day before Christmas, 1944, to parents Dwaine and Irene Prink. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, she was proud to be part of Roosevelt High School’s graduating class of 1962. Having spent her early years in a bigger city environment, Ruth very much enjoyed settling into a more peaceful, rural pace for her later years, within the community of Scappoose.
Ruth was fortunate to experience two great loves in her life. Her first husband was James William Pentecost, Sr., to whom she married in 1962 and divorced in 1984. Her second marriage was to Robert Eugene Thornton, in 1987.
Ruth raised six children of her own while working numerous jobs in the food industry- where she served hundreds! The most special stories and memories came from her time spent in the cafeterias of the Portland Public School District. The children she cooked for had such a fondness for her they affectionately called her “mom.”
Ruth is predeceased by her husband, Robert Eugene Thornton; father, Dwaine Owen Prink; mother, Addie Irene (Frost) Prink; sister, Roberta Lee Burr; and son, Richard Dwaine Pentecost.
Ruth is survived by her children: James William Pentecost, Jr., Jay Turner Pentecost, Rhonda Kae Williams, Owen (Michelle) Pentecost, Michell Ruth Beauchamp; her brothers: Eddie (Phyllis) Prink, Lloyd (Betty) Prink; and her numerous nieces, nephews, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Ruth’s Life from 1-4:00pm, Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Reeder Beach on Sauvie Island (26048 NW Reeder Rd, Portland, OR 97231). A private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.
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