Ruth Anne Tucker Lefever
June 17, 1932 – July 21, 2018
Ruth Anne Tucker Lefever passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in her home at Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Ruth was born in Hollywood, California to Abbie Rosesteel Tucker and Waldo Frank Tucker. Her family moved to Eagle Rock in 1935 and she attended the Los Angeles City School system graduating from Eagle Rock High School in 1950. She worked for a year at Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company as an IBM key punch operator before attending college at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. It was there that she met the love of her life, Hollis King Lefever who she married on June 11, 1954. The following year, she received her BA from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and taught 2nd Grade at Prairie Village Elementary School in Johnson County, Kansas. Twin sons Walter and Paul were born in 1956 in Billings Montana during a summer visit with family. In 1958, after Hollis finished medical school and internship, the family moved to Glendive, Montana where they enjoyed the arrival of their third son, Stanley in 1959. In 1961 the family moved to Lewistown, where Hollis practiced medicine, and daughter Debra was born in 1964. Ruth busied herself as a full-time mother, physician’s wife, and active volunteer. In 1982, when the nest cleared of children, she became a 3rd grade teacher, at Lewis and Clark Elementary School. She loved every minute of this experience. One of her greatest thrills was watching her students grow up and hearing of their accomplishments. In 1996, Hollis and Ruth retired and moved to Canyon Ferry Reservoir full time. They built their dream cabin near Goose Bay Marina and have spent the past 22 years “making memories” with family and friends. Ruth followed Hollis’s passion for photography and was very skilled at close up shots that became beautiful cards and framed pieces. Her fondness for flower arranging, home making, and people never faltered. In recent years, the highlights of many summer days were outings on a pontoon boat which carried her nickname. Despite many challenging health issues, Ruth’s joy for life was evident every day and she would want all who knew and loved her to remember her with joy in their hearts. Ruth is survived by her loving family: Hollis, Walter (Tuni), Paul, Stanley (Cynthia), Debra (Michael) Gill, grandchildren Jessica and Tucker Gill and sister Esther (Claude) Pullis along with many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Health Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 in support of the Cancer Treatment Center/Infusion Services where Ruth received the compassionate care that extended her life. A private family service is being planned. Messages welcome at lehavenh@mt.net. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ruth.
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Julie (Fleharty) Massaro says
Debra and family,
My condolences to you all during this difficult time. Your beautifully written obituary and lovely picture of Ruth gives us all a glimpse of the wonderful woman she was. Keep her memory alive in your hearts.
Dana Goodan says
I was sad to see in the Lewistown paper of Mrs. Lefever’s passing. I was a student of hers here in Lewistown and always loved her. One of the best teachers that I have had and one that I will always remember. Thoughts are with the family.
The Brysons says
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beloved wife Hollis?? and your wonderful Mother Walt, Stanley and Debbie ??. May God give you strength and comfort and hold the memories you share in your hearts forever.
Love and blessing,
Jo and Paul Bryson
steve gilpatrick says
Thank you Mrs. Lefever, for letting me into your house when we were in high school. As a country boy who had never been in the class with Paul and Walter it was very comforting to have a house in town to feel free to go to and visit my friends and classmates.
Mike and Debbie Phillips says
There are no words….Dr. Lefever and Ruth have been like another set of parents to Mike and I and like grandparents to our kids! Ruth was always so bubbly – it was so fun whenever they came back to Lewistown to visit with us. We always had such a good time and everywhere we went – we ran into someone that was a student of Ruth’s or a fellow teacher who loved her – or a patient or friend of Dr. Lefever’s. I hope all of the great memories keep smiles on your faces and peace in your hearts. You know she is still with you even though she now resides in Heaven. You are in our daily thoughts and prayers!!
Tammy Copenhaver says
Doctor Lefever, I am so saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. Ruth’s joy radiated to those around her. Sending our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts.
Mark and Tammy Copenhaver
Linda Sederholm says
She was a support person to me when I lost my husband, She was next door to my library at Lewis and Clark and enjoyed her wisdom and laughter.
Sheri Ann Lenhardt says
Dear Hollis and family
We are so very sorry to hear of Ruth Ann passing. My dad Charlie enjoyed visiting with her anytime we brought grandpa Ray up to see all of you. If you get a chance we will be parked on and off at Kim’s Marina as we have a new 40 foot trailer that will be permanently so if u get a chance please stop by and say hello. Sheri’ and Charles Lenhardt