March 12, 1919 n May 24, 2009

Ruth Marie Schrouder McKibben, 90, passed away Wednesday.

She was born in Westhope, Bottineau County, N.D., the oldest of five children. In 1936, the Schrouder family moved to Stahlbush Island near Corvallis, where Ruth finished high school, graduating in 1938.

She then entered the Oregon Medical School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1942. She entered the Army Nurse Corps that year and served two years at Camp Roberts, Calif. She was then sent overseas to serve two years in England earning the rank of Fist Lieutenant. The 347th Station Hospital where she served was sometimes called the original "MASH" unit because they received war casualties directly from the battlefield during World War II.

After returning from overseas she worked at the Lebanon Community Hospital. She married Jarrold H. McKibben on Oct. 2, 1946, in the historic Oakville Presbyterian Church.

Ruth and Jarrold had three children, Boyd Hugh, Jerri Marie and David. They lived on the McKibben ranch near Airlie for most of their married life.

Ruth enrolled in the Oregon College of Education, now Western Oregon University, and received her bachelor's degree in elementary education and subsequently her master's degree from the University of Oregon. Ruth taught in Pedee, Bridgeport, Rickreall and Dallas schools for 25 years. She retired in 1982. Ruth compiled a genealogy record of her family for each of her siblings and the McKibben family also.

Ruth was active in many professional and fraternal organizations including being past Matron of Adah Chapter OES, past President of Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, past Regent of Anna Maria Pittman Chapter, D.A.R., past President of the Polk County Genealogical Society, past president of Polk County Health Council, past president of Willamette Council of Exceptional Children, past president of Podalmo Toastmistress Club, and past President of Cynthianne Unit of Oregon Retired Educators.

After retirement she volunteered with Senior to Senior Counseling Program, Polk County Museum and the Oregon State Library. She served at Senior Meals in Dallas and as a docent at Paul Jensen Arctic Museum.

She is survived by her son, David and wife Bette McKibben; sister Florence Christ; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jarrold; son Boyd; and daughter Jerri.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center. Private burial will be in the Stipp Cemetery in Macleay.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice and can be sent to the mortuary at 287 S.W. Washington St., Dallas, OR 97338. To leave an on-line condolence go to www.dallastribute.com.