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The Ruth A. Popham Memorial Library is a place for
people to access resources and gather support for
the battle ahead. A place to find some one to stand
by them and the ones they love.
Harold Popham has turned
his fondest hope into a reality. The Ruth A. Popham
Memorial Library was created in honor of a special
lady who's fifteen year battle with Alzheimer's
disease was fought bravely with her husband by her
side.
Ruth, born in North
Dakota, was the youngest of five children. Her
father was killed in a farm accident when she was
quite young, and her mother raised the children in
Fargo. Ruth learned to sew and often made her own
clothes. She attended North Dakota State University
before transferring to Colorado State University
where she met Harold. During World War II, Harold
was sent to California for air training. Ruth
followed him and worked at Consolidated Aircraft
assembling B-24 Bombers.
Their fifty-five years
together as husband and wife began June 13, 1942.
After Harold's combat flying days were over, they
settled in Seattle, Washington. As an airline pilot
for United, Harold took advantage of the travel
benefits and traveled often with his young wife. For
their 25th anniversary Harold and Ruth took a trip
around the world. Ruth loved to travel. Their
favorite places being New Zealand and Hawaii.
Here was a beautiful
young woman and handsome young man full of life and
love for each other enjoying the world they lived
in.
Their world changed with
the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Without family
in Seattle, the decision was made to move to Salem
where Ruth's sister lived. As well as having family
support close by, Harold also found someone to stand
by him-the Alzheimer's Association, Mid Willamette
Chapter (Now the Alzheimer's Network of Oregon).
With the help of Barbara
Nelson, Cinda Conroyd and Walt Batliner, Harold and
Ruth became enveloped in a web of caring,
supportive, resourceful people that fought the
disease by their side. Providing warmth, support and
solutions to a cruel and heartbreaking situation
that struck a lovely, gracious lady full of life.
Through support groups,
health and legal resources and strong friendships,
Harold and Ruth were able to navigate through the
rough waters of late stage Alzheimer's disease,
Harold wanted to show his appreciation to the
Chapter and his love for Ruth. He says "...I'm sure
Ruth would approve of what I am doing. She was a
grand, wonderful person, and I loved her very much."
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