Ruth Doris Wooden, age 99, of Helena, passed away peacefully at her home in the Shelby House on Saturday, August 10, 2013 while surrounded by those who loved her and cared for her. Ruth was born March 13, 1914 in Longmont, Colorado to James T. and Mary Slifer Brinkley. She was an excellent student, attending Longmont schools. The caption next to her high school graduation pictures said that she was a modest, unassuming girl who was determined to succeed.
On January 1, 1935 Ruth married Floyd H. Wooden in Longmont, and they immediately left for Vallejo, CA where Floyd’s ship was stationed in the U.S. Navy. They lived in various cities along the coast until Floyd was honorably discharged due to serious injuries he received while serving as a Radioman on the U.S.S. San Francisco and they returned to Longmont in 1938. In 1939 Richard Earl was born, and in 1943 Gilbert Leroy was born to Floyd and Ruth. They established Wooden’s Radio and T.V. Sales and Service which they operated for over 30 years. After the business was sold, due to Floyd’s poor health, they spent their time traveling to southern states in the winter.
While living in Longmont, Ruth was an active member in the First Baptist Church, holding various offices and teaching Sunday school. She was also a Cub Scout Leader. Ruth’s faith in Jesus, her church and her family always came first in her life. She was an excellent cook who taught her two daughters-in-law many things from cooking to raising children to dealing with life issues with a Christian perspective. Ruth (mom) loved growing flowers, knitting, sewing, cooking, reading, traveling, and being a part of the Howdy Neighbor Club in Longmont. She was a fantastic home maker!
In 1979 mom and papa Floyd moved to Montana to be near their two sons and their families in Great Falls and Helena. Many wonderful memories were made and treasured. In 1985 mom and papa celebrated 50 years of marriage. Mom was a member of the First Baptist Church of Montana in Helena and Lewis and Clark #3 DAV Auxiliary.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Viola; and her beloved husband of 54 years, Floyd, who died in May, 1989. Mom is survived by her two sons, Richard Wooden of Campbell, CA (Jovanna Tansey) of Coer d’Alene, ID., Gilbert Wooden (Cheryl) of Helena, MT and her five grandchildren Brian Wooden of Epping, ND, Laura Wooden Griffith (Mike) of Helena, MT, Thad Wooden of Albuguerque, NM, Sara Wooden Callow (Todd) of Los Gatos, CA, Dan Wooden (Ashlie) of Arcata, CA, and six wonderful great-grandchildren.
The family is so thankful for all the loving, excellent care that mom received at the Shelby House these last 9 years! Thanks to all who came to visit her.
So that high school caption was right! Mom did succeed in this life, as a beloved wife, mom, gramma and great-gramma, but most importantly, as a Child of The King. That decision to follow Jesus Christ as her personal Savior has secured her eternal place in Heaven, dancing with Jesus and Floyd forever.
A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s Home-Going will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 the First Baptist Church of Montana, 201 8th Ave. in Helena. Interment will be at a later date in Longmont, CO at the Mountainview Cemetery, next to Floyd. Memorials in Ruth’s name can be sent to The First Baptist Church of Montana, 201 8th Ave. Helena, MT 59601.
Please visit below to offer condolences to the family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 21, 2013
First Baptist Church of Montana
Corner of 8th and Warren
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Wednesday August 21, 2013
First Baptist Church of Montana
Corner of 8th and Warren
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 21, 2013
First Baptist Church of Montana
Corner of 8th and Warren
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Wednesday August 21, 2013
First Baptist Church of Montana
Corner of 8th and Warren
Helena, Montana 59601
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