Ruth Ellen Young of Cottage Grove, Ore., died Feb. 7, 2009, of cancer. She was 81.

Ruth was born on Oct. 26, 1927, in Marshall, Wash., to John and Julia (VanderZande) Wartnow. She graduated from Whitefish High School, then attended nurse's training in Havre.

She married Fred Young on Nov. 24, 1950, in Whitefish.

She worked as a telegraph operator for the railroad in Montana, and also worked as a registered nurse. She lived in Kalispell from 1950 to 1967, before moving to Cottage Grove.

Ruth liked to sew, read and paint. She especially loved spending time with her family.

She was a member of T.O.P.S., and she was very proud to attend and be a part of the Church of Christ at Sixth and Gibbs, Cottage Grove.

She is survived by son, Rick Young, of Salem, Ore.; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Betsy Young, of Jasper, Ore.; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Kay Young, of Springfield, Ore.; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Curtis King, of Cottage Grove; sisters, Margie Wartnow and Helen Wartnow; and brother, George Wartnow.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2007; and by a daughter, Debby Young, in 2008.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the Church of Christ at Sixth and Gibbs, Cottage Grove.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Lane Wheels, 1450 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove, OR 97424.

Arrangements are under the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove.