February 9, 1924 — January 6, 2023
Ruth Barbara Rodgers, 98, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in her home in Eugene on Jan. 6, 2023.
She was a loving wife and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-, great-grandmother.
Ruth was born on Feb. 9, 1924, to Manual and Alice Braga in Fall River, Massachusetts. She spent her childhood in Fall River and attended BMC Durfee High School, where she met the love of her life, John Rodgers. They were married on Dec. 11, 1943, when John was on leave from the Navy.
In 1945, Sheila was born, followed by Sharon in 1949. In 1952 they left their families, friends and home in Fall River and made the journey west in their brand new 1952 Chevrolet to join John’s older brother and family in Dallas, Oregon. Soon after they settled in Eugene. During this time, three sons were born: John Jr. (Jack) in 1954, Jeff in 1957, and David in 1961.
They absolutely loved Oregon. The family spent many years exploring, camping, hiking, and enjoying the mountains, desert, lakes, rivers and the coast. All were favorites of Ruth.
In 1974, John and Ruth moved to Ashland and stayed in southern Oregon until 2004, when John became ill and passed. Following John’s passing Ruth moved back to Eugene, where her daughter and family were residing.
Ruth was an amazing, happy woman who loved her life, family, gardening, scrapbooking, and storytelling; and boy, could she tell a story!
Ruth is survived by four of her five4er children: Sheila Clemans (husband Steve) of Kennewick, Washington; Sharon Harbert (husband Joe) of Eugene, Oregon; Jeff (wife Lisa) of Phoenix, Oregon; and David (wife Kaniz) of Beaverton, Oregon; 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Ruth was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister, husband, John and son, Jack. A family celebration of life is planned for this summer.
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