Ruth Luella Croskrey Long
Ruth Luella Croskrey Long died on April 22, 2019 at Touchmark, in Helena, Montana. She was 91. Ruth was born to Karl and Ida (Koenig) Croskrey in Missoula at the Thornton Hospital on October 8, 1927. Ruth, her parents and Ida’s teenage sister, Laura, lived on Pine Street. The family moved to the Daily Addition where she and younger brother, Don, attended Franklin Elementary school, Willard Junior High and Missoula County High School (MCHS). Ruth graduated from MCHS in 1945 and from the University of Montana in 1949 with a B.A. in Home Economics.
After graduation from the University of Montana, Twin Bridges High School offered Ruth a job as a Home Economics/General Science/Girl’s Physical Education teacher and hot lunch supervisor. There she met Jesse Long, a Math/Chemistry teacher. They were married in Missoula at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on August 19, 1951. Ruth taught another year and substituted in Twin Bridges. She also taught from 1962-1964 at Sheridan High School.
In 1952, the Long’s built their log home in Twin Bridges. Laurie was born in 1954 and Marc arrived in 1955. In summer of 1964, the family moved to Soda Springs, Idaho where Jesse was the High School Principal and the Long’s built a new home. Gary was born in 1965.
The family moved to Livingston in 1968, where Jesse was the Principal at Park County High School. Ruth worked part-time for Holbrook United Methodist Church and the U.S. Census Bureau. Another move came in 1979, this time to Helena where Jesse accepted the job as Executive Secretary for School Administrators of Montana. In the interest of sustainability, Ruth and Jesse designed and built a passive solar home. Ruth was involved in a new home, church and community.
During her life, Ruth enjoyed family activities, fly-fishing, skiing, golfing, playing the piano, designing ceramics, painting, and playing pinochle. She was a member of the Montana Education Association, Montana Home Economics Association, American Association of University Women, P.E.O., Graduate Home Economists, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Friendship Force of Helena as well as an active member of the United Methodist Church. She gave freely of her time to community, charitable drives, a street improvement district in Livingston, Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels and served in various jobs including Chair of the Board for The Park County Friends of the Arts. Ruth and Jesse traveled extensively and had their occasional genealogical fact-finding missions.
Ruth created a legacy of memories that are shared by her survivors who include her three children: Laurie (Lyle) Howell of Bozeman, Marc (Tracy) Long of Kennewick, WA, and Gary (Maggie) Long of Helena. Here grandchildren are: Cheridy (Amas) Aduviri of Philomath, OR, Corey (Heather) Long of Richland, WA, Ryan (Lisa) Howell of Butte and Lacy (Ty) Clark of Bozeman. Her great-grandchildren are: Brooke Aduviri, Lauren, Ali, and Levi Long, Sawyer and Sadie Howell and Ryersen and Soren Clark.
Her husband Jesse, parents Karl and Ida Croskrey and brother Don Croskrey proceded Ruth in death. The family wishes to thank those who assisted Ruth including Marie Lavinder, the caring staff at Touchmark and St. Peter’s Health Hospice.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 80 E. Lawrence. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Intermountain, 500 S. Lamborn St., Helena, MT, 59601, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan St., Helena, MT 59601, or a charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ruth.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00am
Friday July 12, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
80 East Lawrence
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday July 12, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
80 East Lawrence
Helena, MT 59601
Graveside Service
2:00pm
Friday July 12, 2019
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Hero's Road
Helena,
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00am
Friday July 12, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
80 East Lawrence
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday July 12, 2019
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
80 East Lawrence
Helena, MT 59601
Graveside Service
2:00pm
Friday July 12, 2019
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Hero's Road
Helena,
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Veronica Bovee-Anerson says
Rest In Peace follow Daughter. Ruth Luella Croskey Long (National Number 885849), Daughters of the American Revolution. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth’s family and friends. Sincerely, Daughters of the Oro Fino Chapter, NSDAR
Tamara Hintz says
Rest In Peace Ruth. I remember she was sweet and smart. She was member of Sheila Cates Circle at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Lindie Gibson says
hello Laurie and Mark,
I’m sorry to read of your loss…Your mom was always a positive and cheerful lady…I’m sure she will be deeply missed….Sincerely, Lindie Fink Gibson ’71 Park High
Wilma Tabaracci says
Oh Ruth was such a sweet thing. I loved visiting with her at Touchmark. Her giggle was the best!
Linda (Croskrey) Booher says
Dear Long and Howell Family,
May God’s peace and comfort fill your days ahead as you grieve the loss of a wonderful Mother and Grandmother.
Bruce and I have been blessed to have known her for just a few of her 91 years. She brought a joy and happiness to our gatherings and she was a great comfort to me as she always asked about my Dad in many phone conversations. She was a great cousin to Dean and I know he really appreciated her care and love for him. We are grateful for both Ruth and Jess and how they brought famlies together. They included my parents in their celebrations and weddings. We are blessed to know your family and always look forward to seeing you again.
She leaves a beautiful legacy for your family to cherish.
Jesus promises peace and victory to all who believe in His Name. What a comfort to know Ruth lives in Heaven with her Savior and those who have gone before.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Love and prayers to you all,
Bruce and Linda Booher
Jane Lee Hamman says
Ruth was lovely talented lady! She shared stories and smiles frequently and loved being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution because our values of “God, Home and Country” were her priorities, too. She was glad to serve as Oro Fino Chapter Librarian as her final service to our Society. She leaves a legacy of family genealogy, history and service for all who mourn her passing and celebrate her life well lived.
Sharon says
Gary and Maggie
May peace, comfort and memories fill you when you are missing her. So glad to have met her and can see her in you.
Sharon
Savannah says
To Gary, Maggie, and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you comforting thoughts and prayers. May her light continue to shine through you.
Dorothy Oliveira says
After meeting Ruth in Daughters of the American Revolution, I was delighted to discover we were very distant cousins through our common Leonard line of ancestors. Ruth was a wonderful thinker and researcher. Condolences to her family on the loss of this lady who made a difference in our world.