Ruth Myrtle Loock

Ruth Myrtle Loock, 88, of La Grande, died Nov. 26 at Grande Ronde Hospital.

A celebration of life will begin a 10 a.m. Monday at Loveland Funeral Chapel& Crematory, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande.

Ruth was born Nov. 9, 1919, in Grafton, Neb., to Sylvan Pierson and Vera Bradley. Her family moved to Lyle, Wash., then to Hermiston, where she attended grades 1-8. She graduated from La Grande High School in 1939, and attended Kinman Business University where she graduated in 1941.

Ruth then returned to La Grande where she worked for 20 years as a private secretary for August Stang, president of Mount Emily Lumber Co., then went to work for First Interstate Bank for 17 years as a secretary and loan manager. She retired in 1974, but later worked part-time Mike Lynch Motor Co.

Ruth married the love of her life, Wilbur Loock, in 1948 after a long engagement and enjoyed many years together traveling, camping and fishing.

Ruth's hobbies were sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, gardening and volunteering. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Soroptimist Club, Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary, Ladies Emblem Club and the Elks Club. She had a special love for dogs and often babysat her little friends.

Ruth is survived by her niece, Diana Nelson, and her husband Skip; nephews, Dick Pierson and his wife, Pam and Rick Hamilton; special friends and caregivers, Vern and Julie Brown; and other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur; and by her bothers, Glenn Pierson of Las Vegas, Morris Pierson of Spokane, Dale Pierson of Salem; an infant brother, and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society or any other charity.