Ruth Yvonne Hall

Ruth Yvonne Hall, a dearly beloved and admired longtime resident of the Pendleton community, passed away in the presence of family on July 6, following an inspiring monthlong battle with post-stroke complications. Her endearing and engaging kindness, and her encouraging word for all, characterized her days up until her final moments, as she befriended all those who aided in her care.

Born March 13, 1937, near Boise, Idaho, to Merlin and Katherine Young, later of Pendleton, Ruth graduated from Pendleton High School and went on to attend Trinity University in Dublin, Ireland, at a time when overseas study was rare. In 1957, Ruth married Marine Sergeant Charles D. Hall, a Korean War veteran, and together they had six children: daughters Cindy, Jani, Jennifer, and Stephanie, and sons David and Brent. Ruth also raised her grandson, Royce Hall. Ever the adventurous spirit, while raising her family, Ruth lived in six U.S. states as well as on the island of Crete, Greece, and traveled widely throughout the United States and Europe.

A second-generation Bahá’í, Ruth served her faith in a wide range of national, state, and local elected roles, including representing Eastern Oregon at the Bahá’í National Convention and holding executive positions on the local Bahá’í administrative body for many years. Her compassion and devotion to spiritual principles, including justice, equity, and unity, enabled her to play key roles in establishing and maintaining the Pendleton Bahá’í Center. Similarly, she played an important role in founding the East Pendleton Food Pantry delivery program. She also dedicated her time to teaching children’s virtue classes and actively participated in homeschooling activities. Prior to these “retirement” activities, she taught GED classes at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institute and worked as a medical transcriptionist in the Bay Area. When her children were young, she assisted in classrooms and on the playground at Lincoln Elementary in Pendleton.

Ruth was genuinely and widely loved for her delightful spirit of empathy, compassion, generosity, and love of humanity. She was always smiling, even in the face of great difficulty. Her approach to life was to focus on the positive and devote herself to service for all who crossed her path. She personally delivered food to homebound neighbors and those facing transportation challenges, and prepared meals for Stillman Dinners. She also spent many years providing transportation for youth groups, including extended road trips from Alaska to California. Ruth was greatly admired for her garden, cultivating a yard known for its abundance, from apricots to roses, which she shared with neighbors and passersby. Ruth always encouraged and supported those in need and was, in return, lifted by so many from all walks of life.

Ruth is survived by her sister, Barbara Haluapo; her brothers, Richard, David, and William Young; her six children; twelve grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be offered to all on July 25th at 9:00 a.m. at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, followed by a graveside observance at Olney Cemetery and a fellowship and remembrance gathering at the Pendleton Bahá’í Center, 1015 SE Court Place.

As is the custom of the Bahá’í community, friends and loved ones are invited to honor Ruth through acts of service and good works in the days following.

Flowers for the service may be sent to Burns Mortuary, 336 SW Dorion Ave., Pendleton, Oregon 97801. Bahá’ís who wish to remember her may do so with a contribution to the National Bahá’í Fund. Those who are not members of the Bahá’í Faith are encouraged to send donations by check made out to the East Pendleton Food Pantry, 1113 NW Carden Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801.