Ruth Lorene Rinehart

Ruth Lorene Rinehart (nee Shockley), 87 of Medford, OR passed away on November 3, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Lori Phelps (Dennis), Christie Charlton (Kurt), and Tracy Holman (Thad); grandchildren, Kedric, Nathaniel (Emily), Kelsey (Jacob), Erin (Jeromie), Hailey (Taylor), Kyle (Sara) and Ainsley; and great-grandchildren, Lucas and Emmett (Erin and Jeromie).
Ruth is also survived by her loving siblings, Jerry Shockley (Rachel), Jeannie Phelps (Dale), Marilyn Branan; and sister-in-law Judy Ziolkowski.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Donald Jo Rinehart; parents Myrle and Lorene Shockley; siblings Curtis, Iris Ann and Kenneth.

Ruth was born in Umatilla, Florida December 28, 1936. Ruth and her family first lived in Altoona, FL. They briefly relocated to the Eureka Fire Tower. Most of her and her siblings’ lives were spent growing up at the foot of the Paisley Fire Tower playing in the countryside while their father looked out for fires. Ruth won a battle with a rattlesnake that surprised her in a pile of pine straw while living there! Ruth’s brother Jerry shared that she was a great big sister with a calming effect that looked after her brothers and sisters when her parents were away. Ruth enjoyed quality time in a rocking chair with her nose in a book. This passion for reading extended throughout her lifetime.

Ruth graduated from Umatilla High School in 1954. She relocated to Jacksonville, FL to work and attend Massey Business College. Ruth met the love of her life, Donald Rinehart in Jacksonville where he served in the US Navy. When Ruth first encountered Donald, she told him that she “did not talk to strangers.” Donald then made it his mission to find out this beautiful girl’s name and introduce himself. They were married on February 15, 1958, in Altoona, FL and moved around the country (Florida, Michigan and Oregon) building their family of five with daughters, Lori, Christie and Tracy. Ruth went back to school and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Eastern Oregon State College with an Accounting degree. She worked for the State of Oregon then finished her career working as an accountant for the US Forest Service retiring after 29 years. Ruth and Don enjoyed boating and visiting with friends and family at their boathouse at the McNary Yacht Club. Later in life, they discovered their love for Hawaii and enjoyed several trips there staying at the Hale Koa with family and friends, always enjoying the Mai Tais.
Ruth’s love of line dancing (which she taught) was second only to her love of reading. Ruth loved teaching her kids and grandkids (with mixed success) one of her favorite line dances, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” scooting around the living room “dance floor” in her favorite home in Milwaukie, Oregon where she lived with Donald until his passing in 2016.
Ruth was affectionately known as the “Dog Lady.” She loved many dogs and granddogs during her lifetime. They all loved her, and it wasn’t just about the treats which were plentiful. All of these pups felt her love and gravitated to her when she was around.
Ruth was the proud grandma of 3 grandsons and 4 granddaughters and proud “Gigi” of 2 adorable, great-grandsons.
Ruth’s grandchildren shared many fond memories of their time spent with their grandma. The following are just a few.

Grandma was the first to introduce her granddaughters to self-care. When visiting Grandma, she always planned a trip to Phagan’s beauty salon. We would have a day full of facials, mani/pedis, and new hair styles. Along with our beauty salon trips she made sure we were always caffeinated by taking us to Starbucks or making us frappuccinos at her house. Once we had our self-care and coffee, she would teach us line dancing, or we would go to one of her classes and learn at her home away from home. Grandma also gathered us around the table so we could have tea parties with her beautiful silver tea set and her delicious peanut butter cookies or her “homemade” Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.
She carried on her treats and self-care with her great-grandchildren, it was always a given that her great-grandsons would find a freezer full of dark chocolate Haagen Dazs ice cream bars at Gigi’s house.

Grandma took her grandmother responsibilities seriously, ensuring we all had the proper amount of food and sugar intake. From homemade panini sandwiches to chocolate chip cookies to shrimp nights, and trips to the burger joint, sometimes multiple trips in one day!
Staying true to her Southern roots, she had a quiet but strong matriarchal personality. This can be shown when she famously dumped out all the beverages at a wedding when she thought everyone had had enough, or when she would intervene on behalf of her grandson when Grandpa thought his driving habits weren’t up to standards while on trips to Crater Lake with her family or going to her beloved Oregon Coast.
Off color jokes have always been a staple in our family. And though Grandma was quiet and classy, you always knew you had a zinger when she would let out a quiet giggle and a smile. Her Chopsticks duets on the piano with her grandkids and her spontaneous line dance lessons with willing participants will forever be cherished.
Grandma and Grandpa were a team, one that you hope every couple can achieve. And I know they are together again in Heaven watching down and rooting for us all.


Ruth’s service will be at the Willamette National Cemetery (11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR 97086), Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. She will be buried with her loving husband of 58 years, Donald Jo Rinehart, CSM (Ret.)

Reception to follow at the Monarch Hotel & Conference Center, 11:30am-3:00pm, 12566 South 93rd Ave. Clackamas, OR 97015.
Flower deliveries: Stehn Family Funeral Home, 2906 SE Harrison St., Milwaukie, OR 97222
Donations in Ruth’s name can be made to Parkinsons.org