Ruth Doss, Lot 157; Original Member

The number of Timber Valleys’ pioneer members is slowly dwindling. Ruth Doss, an original member, passed on October 4, 2021. Back in 1990, Ruth and her husband, David, were camping on the Oregon coast when a fellow camper told them about the park in Sutherlin that he was helping to build. They drove over, joined Escapees, and moved into the park on Sept. 3, 1990. They got the lot they wanted, # 157, and never changed lots. David passed away in 2009 and Ruth remained on lot 157.

Ruth was born in Northport, New York, April 17, 1927. She, her husband, and two daughters lived in Las Angeles for many years where she worked for Bank of America.

Ruth was very independent and somewhat reclusive but friends and neighbors remember that she loved chocolate, especially chocolate ice cream. She maintained the walkway by her lot, weeding it and keeping it clean. Memories of her include in 2019 at a park event with dancing. Ruth, sashayed out of the building, swinging her hips in time to the music.

During our infamous Snowmeggeden, Ruth’s neighbors, Val and Ken Knowles took her coffee, hot chocolate, and tomato soup as she had no power or stove. They helped her survive that cold, snowy winter.

After a recent hospitalization, she needed more help than before so she moved to Middlefield Oak Assisted Living in Cottage Grove, Sept 22, 2021. Monday morning, Oct. 4th she sang with the attendants there when they came to her room. Monday afternoon she passed away peacefully during her afternoon nap.

Survivors include her daughter Kathleen and Grandson Jonah Naulls of New York and three grandchildren in Huston, Texas.

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3 Responses to Ruth Doss, Lot 157; Original Member

  1. Sharon Elliott says:

    Sorry I did not know her. Great job Jackie and thanks for the picture.

  2. Reggie says:

    Beautiful memory and story of one of our great pioneer members. Thank you for posting.

  3. Helaine says:

    Wonderfully written, Thanks, Jackie.

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