Ruby Morris
Ruby Morris, 79, of Billings, passed away on Aug. 29, 2011, a resident of Fischer Cottage at St. John's Nursing Home.
Ruby Pearl (Lindstrom) Morris was born at home on Aug. 26, 1932, at her family's farm near Carlyle, Mont. Ruby was the daughter of Otto and Minnie (Hartse) Lindstrom. She grew up on her parents' farm, graduating from Wibaux High School as the Salutatorian of the class of 1950. Following graduation, Ruby attended the University of Montana (Montana State University at that time), graduating in 1954 with a Business major and a Home Economics minor. Surrounded by Bobcats in her family, she remained a loyal Grizzlies fan. After her graduation, Ruby taught high school for one year in Cut Bank, marrying her high school sweetheart Robert Morris on Aug. 28, 1955, and moving to Bozeman, where she worked for the university until he graduated in 1957. Robert and Ruby then moved directly to Billings, where she was employed by Exxon, leaving work to devote her life to her family upon the birth of her first child.
Ruby was a dedicated and loving wife and mother, with a passion to always be using her mind and her talents. When her children were young, she founded a ladies' investment club that succeeded financially while providing the opportunity for the neighborhood women to enjoy social time while their children played. Ruby held a variety of part-time jobs when her children were younger, eventually entering the Billing Public School system as a substitute teacher. Ruby was never afraid of a challenge and one of her family's favorite stories was of the week she was called to substitute in a high school calculus class — which she did by reading the textbook each night before the next day’s lessons! Ruby returned to full-time employment as a teacher of Business and Home Economics at Billings Senior High in 1980, retiring from teaching in 1996. She and her husband Bob wintered in Tucson, Ariz., as long as her health allowed, returning as full-time residents of Billings in 2004.
Ruby's hands, heart and door were always open to her friends and the friends of her children, whom she supported in their academic, social and extracurricular activities. Any program her children were involved with was assured of a dedicated booster and a guaranteed chaperone whenever needed. She gave of her time and her heart and never expected anything in return. Her family meant everything to her and she will be missed by many.
Among those left to mourn her passing are her husband, Robert N. Morris of Billings; sons Gary Morris of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Roger Morris of Kent, Wash.; daughter Traci Morris of Shepherdstown, W.Va.; one sister, Mary Jane McMullen of El Cajon, Calif.; as well as six grandchildren, one great-grandson and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, William Lindstrom; sisters Cora Blair and Florence Smith; as well as Florence's daughter, her close-in-age niece Bonnie (Smith) Hutchinson.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at Michelotti-Sawyers of Billings. Ruby's funeral service, officiated by Curt Haney, is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m., at American Lutheran Church, with a reception immediately following at the church. Graveside services will be held at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park at the conclusion of the reception for those who wish to attend.
The family would like to thank the staff of Fischer Cottage for their loving care of Ruby while she was a resident there. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to St. John's Foundation (http://www.stjohnsliving.org/donate-gift) in recognition of this dedication. Alternately, any support of the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp) is an appropriate tribute to Ruby's life and grace as she lived with this disease.
Remembrances
Robert and Family,
Sending our prayers and sympathy to you and your family during this time.
Ruby was such a generous, caring person. She was so kind to drive our car to
Wibaux so our new baby daughter could meet her grandparents and my parents,
Leo and Lenore Miske. Mom's brother Greg had cancer and Dad was in the
middle of harvesting so they were not able to travel that August, 40 years
ago. Ruby was able and willing to get us there. You were there already
helping your parents with the harvest. We enjoyed sharing our teaching
experiences and seeing you both at various sports events. You are in our
thoughts and prayers.
Keith and Lani (Miske) Wallace
Robert and Family,
The Miske Family of Wibaux extends our deepest sympathy to you and your
family. May many happy memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Chuck and Lois Miske, Bob and Dara Miske, Rick and Kim Miske
I offer my deepest sympathy to Ruby's family
upon her death. She was a good teacher and even more a fine person. Her
entire attitude was positive and caring for her students. I enjoyed our
relationship at Senior. God rest her soul.
Jim Rickard, retired principal
Dear Ruby’s Loves,
You were blessed with one terrific example of a wife and mother who was
super charged with love and life!
I was so lucky to teach with Ruby in the Home Economics Department at
Billings Senior, hang out with her as we bargained at Saturday garage
sales, or spend plenty of hours over a cup of coffee and a good piece of
pie! Through it all we even ended up neighbors and her hospitality and
friendship was terrific. I know the love stories of you all, she was
very proud of you. I can remember thinking “how does she do it all so
well?” then I was reminded that she was fueled by her love and energized
by her attitude toward life.
You are the lucky recipients of her direct love and have mingled it in
your hearts forever. Your Ruby is a beautiful person I am thankful to
have known. God Bless you all with peace at heart and long lasting
loving memories.
Sincerely,
Laura Bishop
Bob & Family, I am so sorry for you loss. Know that Ruby is at peace now & no longer fighting that devilish disease. You have my deepest sympathies & rely on your faith & your family to help you thru this tough time…… Debbie Weyer
Bob. Tracie, Roger and Gary;
It was with much sadness that I read of Ruby's death in the Gazette. She
was a great lady and I am pleased to have known her. My deepest sympathy
to you and your families.
Lois Munger
I just wanted to extend our prayers to you
folks. I felt very privileged to get to know Ruby through the Hutchinson
family. Ruby was one of those people that just lit up a room when she
came in. I can remember rolling with laughter as her and Mary Jane would
tease each other.
There are no words to make this loss less sad, but know that Ruby has
gone to a place where she is very happy. With time the sadness of her
passing will be replaced with all the happy memories you folks shared
with her.
Patti (Lee) Hutchinson