Ruth Elizabeth Powell

Ruth was born in Rumford, Maine to The Reverends Arne and Elizabeth Avikainen. She made her way across the US as her father became the pastor of Churches in Massachusetts and Wisconsin where she graduated from West Union High in 1953, before settling in Portland, Oregon that same year.



She met her husband, Edward as students at Portland State University and they were married in 1956.  They settle in Milwaukie where they raised their family.



Ruth was an accomplished pianist and had a lifelong love of music.  She was a member of and accompanied the Portland Finnish Singers.  She also accompanied the Order of Runeberg Choir, Milwaukie High School choral department and played for Messiah Lutheran Church until her health prohibited it.  She was very proud of her heritage and was a member of the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers and Sisters Lodge. Ruth also was a big Blazer fan.



Her last four years were spent in the loving care of Lucica and John Muresan at their care home.



She leaves behind her husband, four children and five grandchildren.



A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2019 at Stehn Family Chapels Milwaukie Tribute Center, Milwaukie, OR.  Private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, OR.