Ruth "Jean" Ness, 88, Portland, OR, formerly of Minot, died Friday, November 5, 2010 in Portland.

Ruth was born October 5, 1922 in Leeds, North Dakota the daughter of William and Ruth (Ritzman) Wharton. She was raised and educated in Des Lacs, ND. Ruth graduated from Des Lacs High School as Valedictorian of her class. In 1944, she was united in marriage to Roy Ness in Portland, OR, where they made their home.

Ruth volunteered for over a decade at an elementary school, helping students, teaching them to read and write.

Ruth's loving family includes: daughter, Candy (Terry) Nies, Portland, OR; granddaughter, Kerri Nies, Portland, OR; sister, Pat (Wayne) Chandler, Illinois; sister-in-law, Iona Wharton, Minot, ND; and a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Roy, brothers Richard and William, and sisters Dorothy and Audrey.

Funeral Service: Monday, November 15, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: One hour prior the start of the service in the funeral home.