Ruth Straley (née Kuss), age 85, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in Helena, Montana.
Born on September 4, 1939, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Ruth grew up with a strong sense of determination and resilience that would define her life and career. She began her professional journey in the banking industry working in the safe deposit department. Through dedication and perseverance, she rose through the ranks to become a vice president—a testament to her work ethic and leadership.
Ruth was a longtime member of Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, where she found spiritual community and strength throughout her life.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Bill; her sons Erik and Lars; and her grandchildren Kaden and Kenya. Ruth was preceded in death by her sisters Janice Baird and Lois Gunderson, as well as her brother Fred Kuss.
A woman of remarkable discipline and vitality, Ruth walked seven miles a day for decades—an enduring habit that reflected both her commitment to health and her appreciation for daily reflection.
A funeral service will be held at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Helena, Montana, on August 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Reception to follow. Internment will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
May Ruth’s memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Friday August 22, 2025
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following her Celebration of Life
Friday August 22, 2025
Social Center of the Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
1:30 p.m.
Friday August 22, 2025
Columbarium Niche at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Friday August 22, 2025
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following her Celebration of Life
Friday August 22, 2025
Social Center of the Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
1:30 p.m.
Friday August 22, 2025
Columbarium Niche at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Tom Winfield says
I worked with Ruth in the 80’s and early 90’s at the Wells Fargo main branch down town. She always had a smile on her face and was full of energy. What a great lady!
Catherine Nolan says
Erik I’m so sorry about the loss of your incredibly kind and classy mom . Much love to you and your family.
Gerriann Martinez says
I have many great memories of Aunt Ruth. We are very sorry for the family’s loss. She will truly be missed.
Michelle Olson says
Eric and family, I am so sorry to read the news about Ruth. I worked with her at the main bank downtown and she was an absolute joy. I later ran into Eric and realized the relationship. What a wonderful smart talented woman. I loved running into her. She will be missed
Jody E. Reisbeck says
I have the fondest memories of working with Ruth at Norwest Bank and then at Wells Fargo. She was the loveliest of ladies! Always dressed and looked impeccable every day. So sorry for your loss I know she will be greatly missed. Love and prayers for all.
Casey Berryman says
Eric,
I am heartbroken for you. Sending love and warm thoughts to you and your entire family. Love you!!
Casey
Clarice Streets says
Much love to you and your family, Erik.
MERRILL R MEREDITH says
Whenever Bank business took me to Helena Ruth and I would find time for lunch or dinner. A truly genuine person! I will treasure the memories. My condolences to her family.
Aaron Pratt says
I remember Ruth as being so kind, funny, generous, and classy. Always positive and full of life and energy. She and Bill were always doing something active, and they made such a great couple. Ruth will be missed by all who knew her and by the Helena community. My thoughts are with Bill, Lars and Erik in the coming days as they come together to celebrate her remarkable life.
Loretta BROWN says
Sometimes people enter your life that are kind, gentle and just make you feel so good to be their friend that was Ruth always smiling that beautiful smile asking how are you doing ?what is happening in your life ?how are the kids she was so caring . We did share lots of stories together some goods ,some bad just like what makes up a life…She will always be a big part of my heart…she truly was a one of a kind human .She will be missed by everybody that was lucky enough to have known her..Love to you Bill and the rest of the Straley family…
Patrick G says
I have only the fondest memories of Ruth. She was one of my favorite Aunts, always able to make me laugh by doing nothing at all. Her bright personality brought a smile to everyone’s face reguardless how brief their relationship. She was a treasure, Bill and her boys knew this right from the start. To only say “She will be missed” does not begin to
sum up our feelings of loss.
Lois Olsen says
Bill and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Ruth was a truly beautiful person. My heart goes out to you all.
Lois
Tom Ellis says
Ruth was a kind and classy woman who was as capable as she was caring and considerate. She was the kind of banker we all like to remember as one of the best. She opened our very successful East Branch of Norwest after the merger with Bank of Montana and made it a success. My sympathy to Bill and sons.
Tom Ellis, former president of Norwest and Wells Fargo
Leny Mason says
When I was getting started buying Property, it is hard to come up with enough of a down payment back then, Ruth always came up with a plan to help Me get the buildings we needed for our shop, She was a delight to work with She was the best.
Ken Stephens says
Bill, Erik and family, I considered Ruth to be one of my favorite and best friends. We started working part time at NASS on the same day.. and retired on the same day. What an interesting and enjoyable time it was. May Gob be with you all!
Ken Stephens says
Bill, Erik and family, I considered Ruth to be one of my favorite and best friends. We started working part time at NASS on the same day.. and retired on the same day. What an interesting and enjoyable time it was. May God be with you all!
Monique Legg says
I have the fondest of memories of Ruth. I worked with Ruth at Norwest/Wells Fargo for 15 years. She was a great leader-Kind and Compassionate. She was a very classy lady. I will miss her and her beautiful smile. Sending prayers and hugs for the family.
Jan and Jim Anderson says
Bill and family
Marty Masiak says
Prayers to the family. I had the good fortune to get to know Ruth thru NASDA. She was one of the most genuine and elegant people I have ever known. May she be at peace as she continues the next step of her journey