Ruth Marie Simensen, age 87, passed away July 21, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT. She was born July 21, 1922 in East Stanwood, WA to Josephine “Josie” and Albert “A.J.” Isachsen. Ruth was raised in Wolf Point and graduated from WPHS in 1940, then attended one year at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Ruth took her nurse’s training at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN and worked as an LPN for several years in Wolf Point, eventually leaving that profession to become a full-time homemaker. She met Gerald M. Simensen, a contractor, in Wolf Point and they were married June 14, 1953 at First Lutheran Church.
Ruth had a great sense of humor and a ready smile. She loved having coffee with her friends and being involved in her Church Circle with Bible studies, quilting, and other activities. She was an awesome cook and everybody looked forward to the days she made cinnamon rolls and buns. She baked many pies, cookies, and turkeys for church and civic functions. She sang in the choir with her beautiful alto voice, and was always singing around the house.
Ruth considered herself a “Tomboy” growing up and enjoyed outdoor activities and sports throughout her life. She also enjoyed reading, knitting and tending to her plants and flowers. Ruth was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, and a beloved aunt to the Wagnild, Isachsen and Simensen nieces and nephews.
Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Gerald, and five children, David (Carol) Simensen and Philip (Betty) Simensen of Harrisonburg, VA, Diane (Richard) Long of Billings, MT, June (Tom) Welch of Havre, MT, Joanna (Don) Stanek of Sepherd, MT and eleven grandchildren, Tanner and Hunter Simensen, Ryan and Melanie Long, Logan and Karina Simensen, Matthew, Michael and MacKenzie Welch, and Jillian and Cole Stanek. Ruth is also survived by her twin sister Phyllis Wagnild of Kalispell, MT, brother Cliff (Irene) Isachsen of Willmar, MN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Alvin and Harold Isachsen.
Ruth has a special place in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She always had a smile and a thank you for the nurses and aides at Faith Lutheran Home. Her family would like to thank the staff for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be Friday, July 24, 2009 from 4:00 until 8:00 at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Wolf Point. Funeral Service will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009 at First Lutheran Church, Wolf Point. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.