Ruth Elaine Thalhofer

Published 5:10 pm Tuesday, August 30, 2016

September 26, 1924– August 21, 2016

Ruth Elaine Thalhofer, 91, of Bend died peacefully at home, with family around her, on Sunday, August 21, 2016. She was born on September 26, 1924, the youngest of the five children of Joseph (Alec) and Cora Rickman. Ruth grew up in the Powell Butte area and attended Crook County High School, graduating in 1942. Ruth attended the University of Portland Nursing School, graduating in 1947 with her baccalaureate degree. She married her high school sweetheart, Joseph John Thalhofer, November 20, 1948 in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Ruth worked as a nurse until the birth of their first child, Joseph (Kerry). Following Joe’s graduation from law school, the family moved to Klamath Falls, Redmond, and finally Bend. They resided there for the rest of their lives.

If you were to ask someone to describe Ruth, the words that might be used would be: welcoming, loving, generous, kind, no-nonsense, creative, and compassionate. All were welcome in her home and at her table. She nearly always wore a smile. She loved her family and guided and supported them in all ways.

Ruth was known as grandma to not only her grandchildren but the hundreds of swimmers who came for lessons at the McCool’s pool, where they would spend time with her as she enjoyed the sunshine.

Ruth’s hobbies were knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She loved gardening and all living things. Ruth was a role model and example for all of how to live a life filled with devotion, enthusiasm, and love, with a dose of spunkiness thrown in for good measure.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Joe, and her siblings, Joseph Alexander Jr., Lorene Elizabeth, Mary Florence, and Helen Louise.

Ruth is survived by her six children and their families: son, Kerry Thalhofer (Terry) of Bellingham, WA; daughter, Lorrie Jones (C. Michael) of Milwaukee, OR; son, Mike Thalhofer (Kate) of Sherwood, OR; daughter, Mary McCool (Bob) of Bend; daughter, Katie McCarthy (Mike) of Milwaukee, OR; and son, Pete (Teri) of The Dalles, OR.

Her grandchildren are: Megan Jensen (Eric and family); Colin Thalhofer (Jana and family); Erin Schweigert (Jeb and family); Abram Thalhofer (Beth); Josh Jones; Kelsey O’Halloran (Caleb); Kylie Thalhofer; Taylor McCool (Nicole and family); Cole, Casey, Molly and Jamie McCool; Genesee, Stephen, and Kieran McCarthy; Lauren and Sam Thalhofer.

Her great grandchildren are: Eli and Jovi Jensen, Genesee Jones, Aurora Jones Thalhofer, and Avi Schweigert.

Ruth is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Myers (Hardy) of Portland, OR.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, August 29, 2016 at 10am at the historic St. Francis Catholic Church in Bend. The burial will take place at Juniper Haven Cemetery in Prineville following the service. Donations in Ruth’s honor may be made to either Partners In Care/Hospice or the American Red Cross.