Ruby N. West McClure passed away peacefully at Son Heaven Assisted Care Facility on July 17, 2019, two days before her ninety-seventh birthday.
Ruby was born July 19,1922 to Herbert and Ella (Barker) West in Conrad, MT. At four years old she was blessed with twin sisters Elsie and Irene. She attended school and graduated from Conrad High School in 1942. Moving to Great Falls, she attended nursing school at Columbus Hospital and graduated as an RN in 1945. She was also in the Cadet Corps.
On September 7,1946 Ruby married her longtime friend Lawrence R. McClure in Spokane, WA. They had two children born in Colfax, WA, James Lawrence and Cheryl Lynn. In 1960 they moved to Lincoln, MT. Larry and Ruby operated the Phillip’s 66 gas station. They spent these years teaching their kids to work hard and to always help your neighbor. They both volunteered on the Lincoln Ambulance and everyone in town knew the gas station was also a first aid station.
In 1972 Larry and Ruby moved to Fairfield, then Conrad, Great Falls, and finally to Helena, where their kids resided. They maintained the house in Lincoln that harbors many memories for their children and grandchildren. Ruby spent many years working for St. Peter’s Hospital and for Hospice. She loved being a nurse and was a mentor to many. After retirement she continued to volunteer taking pictures of Helena’s newborn babies.
She enjoyed playing Bridge, sewing, painting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She was also a member of East Helena United Methodist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband Lawrence (1992). Her mother and father. Sister and brother-in-law Irene and Jack South. Brother-in-law Earl Glotfelty.
She is survived by her sister, Elsie Glotflety; son and daughter-in-law James and Dauna McClure; daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Dennis Woods; grandchildren Corey (Josh) Schaefer, Kellie (Jason) Longtine, Delsa (Keith Hoover) Barth, Dustin (Sara) Woods, Devon (Morgan) Woods, and Brandi (David Zimmerman) Cotton. Twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2019 at East Helena United Methodist Church, 50 Prickly Pear. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Peter’s Hospice or East Helena United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to PO Box 501 East Helena, MT 59635 or please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ruby.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday July 29, 2019
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the memorial service
Monday July 29, 2019
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday July 29, 2019
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the memorial service
Monday July 29, 2019
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Mary Mouat says
I will miss the BEST role model for a life well lived!!!! Ruby was a great friend, mentor and coworker for so many years! I hope to age like Ruby aged—on her own terms. Sweet Redgem friend!
Scott St. Clair says
Ruby and my mother (Marcheta, Cheta) were very good friends. I got to know Ruby through their relationship, she was a wonderful lady. She stepped up to help whomever, however, whenever, wherever she could; no questions asked. She will be missed by many. I know her and mom will be happy together again. Scott St. Clair
Steve & Carol Athearn says
Our condolences to all of Ruby’s family. We are sending our prayers and thoughts during this time. Remember the happy memories. She was a wonderful woman.
Candace Sweet says
Ruby taught me a lot, both professionally and personally. And you had to watch out if you were playing cards with her, sneaky good. I enjoyed the time spent with her over the years.
Verna Waddington and family says
My condolences to all of Ruby’s family. She and Larry were our landlords in Lincoln and also my parents how many years. Ruby was a wonderful neighbor. She will be greatly missed.
Denise Feller says
Ruby was one of the “good ones”. She was always ready to help and happy to do whatever you needed. It was a pleasure to know her! Everyone will miss her.
Beth Bartosik Beigh says
So many connections! My grandma was born in Conrad in 1920 an lived in Lincoln in the 50s and 60s – They knew each other and I know we are distant cousins somehow! We love Ruby and all the McClures and are praying for your family. What a wonderful lady she was!
lonny cox says
the cadotte creek people know how lucky cheri and jim were to have ruby as a parent.
thoughts are with you and about u.