Ruth Van Matre, 87, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at her winter home in Tucson, AZ. She was born March 16, 1927 in Platteville, WI to the late Archie and Clara Weigel. In 1948, she graduated from the University of WI, Platteville, married William Van Matre in Platteville, and moved to Butte, MT. Ruth was a homemaker, and then a math teacher at East Junior High School in Butte from 1961-1986. They relocated to a nice home in the hills near Clancy after retiring. Bill passed in 2003.
Ruth was formerly a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Platteville and the First Presbyterian Church in Butte. She was a member of the Butte Chapter of P.E.O., Butte Junior League, and the “Exercise Goddesses” of Clancy.
She leaves one son, Stephen Van Matre of Billings, MT and two daughters, Dianne (Larry) Delaney of Garrison, MT and formerly Helena, MT and Peggy (Dan-deceased) Ruminski of Spartanburg, SC; in addition, two grandsons, Andrew (Elaine) Ruminski of Pittsburgh, PA and Michael Ruminski of Windsor, CT and one granddaughter, Amanda Delaney of Missoula, MT; and two sisters, Mary Jean (Winton) Jaeger of Golden, CO, and Janice (Edward-deceased) Westphal of Yukon, OK as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was a true lady in every aspect of her life. She taught water aerobics, enjoyed painting, sewing, and gardening, and was an avid reader.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. The funeral service celebrating Ruth’s life will start at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with a committal service following at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. There will be a reception immediately following the burial at the Montana National Guard Service Club, Fort Harrison, MT. Memorials may be made to Options Womens Clinic, 1005 Partridge Place, Suite 1, Helena, MT 59601, or a pregnancy resource center of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ruth or they may be sent to the family home.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the service
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Montana National Guard Service Club
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the service
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday March 10, 2015
Montana National Guard Service Club
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Share
Rick & Connie Wanderscheid says
We knew Ruth as a wonderful and loving person. She always had a smile for us and we enjoyed her positive and giving spirit. She will be missed.
All our sympathy and prayers,
Rick & Connie Wanderscheid
Ellie Lucy says
What a beautiful life my Auntie Ruth has had, all while giving so much to all of us! I have always admired her for her calmness, her appreciation of humor (I can see her beautiful smile and hear her laugh). Growing up, she and her 2 sisters did such a fabulous job at getting all the cousins together so that we have many memories of that time. Auntie Ruth is someone I will continue to try and emulate. Her patience, calm consideration, love of family, friends and fun will be missed. I love all of you Van Matres- deepest sympathy. Mary Jean, Winton and our entire family will be there in spirit March 10th.
Shirley says
Such a loss for all of us. Ruth was a beautiful lady inside and out. She was generous and thoughtful. A special person. We all are better off for knowing her. It’s hard to believe she is gone. But certainly not forgotten. We will miss her bright smile, and wonderful hospitality.
Lou Nash says
Ruth will be greatly missed here at Far Horizons Tucson Village. I was always welcome at her home and never saw her without her wonderful smile. She was a gracious lady and many a good laugh was shared with her! I will be thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Lou Nash
John & Debbie Westphal says
What an empty spot we have in our hearts since Aunt Ruth has passed. We will miss her kindness,laughter and her ability to make you feel special. John always enjoyed those Weigel get togethers in the summer when he was a boy. Aunt Ruth always cared about our family and we know sher loved us a lot. We rejoice in the thought of seeing her again in heaven! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you ,Vanmatre family ,every day and it saddens us that we can not attend her funeral March 10th.
Ted & Cheryl Bahn says
Ruth always greeted us with a smile and a laugh. She was such a treasure. We will miss her brightness and love. Our prayers are with you. Ted & Cheryl Bahn
Betty Anderson says
Ruth was a lovely, witty and fun friend. Her cheerful smile and positive energy will be missed. My love and prayers to you, her family.
Jackie and Paul LePine says
We send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. What a beautiful woman who radiated God’s light with her smile. May each of you receive God’s comfort in your sorrow and His grace to carry you through the coming days.
Isaiah Odhiambo Rabare says
Aunt Ruth :you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race. You have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give you on that day and not to you only but also to all who have loved his a pearing. My condolence to the family of Aunt Ruth, may you have peace from God. I know death is painful, but we are praying with the family,
Carolyn Clifford says
My sympathy to Ruth’s family in the passing of your dear loved one. She is missed by her many friends at Far Horizons in Tucson. Ruth was a gracious and classy lady and I am happy to have known her. Fond memories.
Jane (Jaeger) Sullivan says
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of my dear, dear Aunt Ruth. I will forever have fond memories of her. Her words of encouragement helped me to decide to become a teacher, and I will forever be grateful to her. She made the extra special effort to make the trek to CA to attend Sean’s Confirmation in 2012–a testament to the importance she placed on her faith and family. Please find comfort in the in the knowledge that she is now with her Lord and Savior. You and your families continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Pastor Vishaal & Enid Behl says
Dear Dianne
“We are extremely saddened by the grieved news of the loss of your mother.May God Bless you and your family with the strength to go on through this rough time. Your mother left to be with God and is always watching down upon you and blessing you from Heaven.”
Please accept our condolences. We can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. We pray to Almighty God to give you and your family the courage, support,peace and strength to over come this difficult situation.
Vic & Peggy Burt says
Steve, Diane, and Peggy:
We were saddened to hear of your Mom`s passing. Your folks were such great friends and we had many laughs and good times together. Regret we were unable to make the services. Old age has caught us and we are in the process of moving into assisted living. Vic don`t drive and mine is rather limited. Terrible how time passes and we forget to visit dear friends. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Would love to hear from all of you. Steve, I remember I even used to get e-mails from you at one time.
Ardell Easterday says
Dick and I will both miss you, Ruth! She was a great lady and a true friend. I always looked forward to our shopping forays and lunch afterwards. March 16th will always be remembered as Dick’s and your birthdays.
Bill Stone says
I just discovered the passing or Ruth and my thoughts and prayers reach out to Dianne, Peggy and Steve – they were all a part of my family once and the memories I have are special to me. She was a good woman and her children reflect her qualities. So sorry for your loss and know you must miss her.