Posted: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 12:00 am
Oct. 7, 1923 - May 21, 2009
Ruth Evelyn Bonds, 85, known to many generations as "Ma," died Thursday of kidney failure at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. Her mind and spirit remained strong to the end.
She was born in Lebanon, Kan., the fifth of 10 children to Otto Francis and Mary Delilah (McManis) Bungard. In 1943 she graduated from Olney Springs High School in Colorado, where she spent the majority of her youth. In 1945 she married Richard S. Bonds, who preceded her in death in 1971.
She was a woodworker, day care center director and caregiver. She retired at age 80 from her job as nursery attendant at Stayton Christian Church.
Ruth is survived by her children, Mary Bonds of Albany, Cheryl Hall and husband Paul of Prineville, and Gary Bonds and wife Ann of Dallas; brothers Glen of Englewood, Colo., and David of Branson, Mo.; grandchildren Joshua and Amanda Bonds, and Rick Hall; and great-grandchildren Hope, Colin and Samantha Hall, and Xavier and Xander Bonds.
A celebration of her life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Monteith Riverpark.
Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangements.