Surnames: Guppy, McClain, Stone, Rak Ruth McClain Guppy, 89, prolific writer and local historian, died on Saturday, August 3, 2002, at a care center in Hood River (Oregon). She was born February 9, 1913, in Hood River to William Herbert and Grace McClain. She was the second of five children and lived most of her life in this area. She graduated from Hood River High School in 1931 and attended the University of Oregon School of Journalism, where she graduated in 1935. She worked as an advertising copywriter and reporter in Portland, Seattle (Washington), San Diego(California) and Oakland (California). She was best know locally for her "Over the Picket Fence: columns published in the Hood River News for more than 40 years. The columns were composites of historical, human interest and nature features. She also published hundreds of local history stories in the News and its predecessor, the Hood River Sun, as well as in the Oregonian and other publications. She contributed significantly to two Hood River area historical books. She and Russell Guppy were married June 20, 1942, in San Diego. Following World War II the couple moved to Seattle and then to Hood River, where they have resided since 1946. She was a member of the AE Chapter of PEO, American Association of University Women, Riverside Community Church, Hood River Writers Club, the Hood River Historical Society and Oregon Press Women. She was honored as Soroptimist of the Year and selected as honored guest at the 100 year celebration of Hood River's incorporation. He other hobbies included bird watching, painting, genealogy, correspondence and rock identification. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Russell Evans Guppy, Hood River; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Carolyn Guppy, Steilacoom, Washington; daughter, Macy Guppy, Portland; four grandchildren, Carie Guppy, Corpus Christi, Texas; Jason Guppy, Portland; Christina Guppy, Steilacoom, and Malea Guppy, Portland; two sisters, Marcia Stone, Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Marian Rak, Baker City (Oregon); and nine nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by siblings Kenneth and Charles. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 12, at Riverside Community Church with Pastor Susan Princehouse officiating. Anderson Tribute Center is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contribution may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Hood River County Historical Museum or Hospice of the Gorge, sent in care of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood Rive, Oregon 97031. The Dalles Chronicle August 7, 2002 Written permission to reprint given by The Dalles Chronicle, The Dalles, Oregon. Copied and submitted by Earline Wasser "Don't judge each day by the harvest your reap, but by the seeds you plant. Robert Louis Stevenson Researching WASSER, GOAR, JOURNEY, HAMM, VINZANT, McNEAL, MATHIESON