Ruth "Ruthie" Ann Zentner
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Ruth's obituary
We sadly announce the unexpected passing of Ruth "Ruthie" Zentner. Born on April 26, 1959, she completed her earthly journey on January 14, 2025.
Ruth leaves behind a large family; a son, Jeff, a daughter, Angela, a son-in-law, Casey, and two granddaughters. Also left behind are her siblings, Shirley, Karen, Janet, and Steven, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt, and an uncle. She was predeceased by her parents, Lowell and Mary Zentner.
Ruthie loved music. She played the clarinet in school and kept the instrument most of her life.
She also played the trumpet for a time.
She taught herself to play the guitar, and would lead the singing at many family events at the Scappoose house.
After Mary was done playing old hymns and gospel music, Ruthie would take over.
At one point, she even wrote a rap song about the family - with the main theme being their fun times with the Push and Pulls racing club.
Shirley wrecked, Steven was the baby...and the rest of the lyrics are lost to time.
She also played the piano and always had a keyboard.
While she didn't play as much in later life, Angela has vivid childhood memories of Ruthie playing the keyboard and singing on lazy weekend days.
For many years, she took joy in singing karaoke.
Ruthie and friends were regulars at the Scappoose and St. Helens bars on karaoke nights.
Music was a big part of her life.
She always had a rebellious streak. Of note: Ma (Ruthie's grandmother) owned a restaurant for a time called the Scappoose Cafe.
On several occasions, Ruthie, Debbie Abel, and Beth Richards would stay at the apartment above.
After the grandparents went to bed, Ruthie would take their car out and cruise around.
She was only 14 or 15 years old at the time.
It is unknown if she was ever caught.
They would also sneak in to the restaurant to cook burgers and make milkshakes in the middle of the night, with the mess likely being left for the morning shift.
If Ma ever knew about it, she never said a word.
Ruthie skipped school a lot and didn't know if she would graduate until the day before graduation.
She loved that blue Ford Falcon.
She always showed up in her own way. Sometimes a little too early, sometimes a little too late.
But she always brought deviled eggs.
She loved her family very much, and especially loved her son, daughter, and granddaughters.
She always brightened up when hearing or speaking of her granddaughters.
We are very happy that we saw her over the holidays.
She was charming, and eccentric, and frustrating, and witty, and messy, but always her own self.
She was a small woman, known for her big smile and big temper, but loved for an even bigger heart.
She hated being alone, and loved to have a good time, sometimes too much of both.
She was a daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a niece, and a friend to so many, and we will all miss her.
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