Ruth Roberts

1926-2008

Surrounded by love and family, Ruth Roberts slipped away peacefully at Billings Health and Rehabilitation on Monday, June 9, 2008, the day after her 82^nd birthday.

Ruth was born on June 8, 1926, in Laurel, Montana, to Alex and Pauline (Rupp) Frickel.  The fifth of ten children, she graduated from high school in Laurel.  She then moved to Billings, where she began her working career at City Drug.  It was during this time that she met Clarence Walter.  They married on June 28, 1947, and shortly thereafter acquired a dairy farm where they lived and worked.  Two children were born of this union, daughter Diana and son Duane.  Clarence passed away on November 18, 1963, of colon cancer; Duane passed away on August 24, 1987, of kidney failure.

After Clarence passed away, Ruth went to work as a bookkeeper for Billings Heights Water District.  She was an avid bowler and a member of many teams, including one made up entirely of her sisters.

Ruth met a fellow bowler, Jack Roberts, and they married on November 8, 1969.  They were inseparable for more than forty years, camping, bowling, playing cards, and spending many hours visiting with family and friends, until Jack passed away on May 11, 2007.  Ruth was a member of the Pilgrim Congregational Church for over fifty years.  She also made many friends over the years through her participation in various organizations.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Herman, Victor, and Bill Frickel; sister Wilma Streck; husband Clarence Walter; son Duane Walter; son-in-law Roy Deines; and husband Jack Roberts.

Surviving to remember and honor Ruth are her beloved daughter, Diana Deines, and granddaughter, Jill Deines; sisters Clara Fox, Helen Yerger, Jane Streck, Evelyn Davis, and Delores (George) Gerber; Jack’s children Beverly (Jerry) Collins, Jane (Charlie) Hendricks, and Scott (Janice) Roberts; and a very special nephew, Jerry (Dorothy) Benner, of Colorado.  She also is survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mock and his staff, and the staff at Billings Clinic, Billings Health and Rehab, and Rocky Mountain Hospice.  The casket will be open at Michelotti-Sawyers for visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, with the family receiving visitors from 5 – 8 p.m.  Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, with the Reverend Meg Hatch officiating and Pastor Jerry Collins assisting.  Following the graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens, lunch will be served at Pilgrim Congregational Church.  Memorials may be made to Pilgrim Congregational Church, Billings Health and Rehab, or Rocky Mountain Hospice.

She will be greatly missed, but our love for and memories of her will go on forever.  May she rest in peace.  Until we meet again,

Your Loving Family.