Ruth Anne Bergvist, 70

Ruth Anne Bergvist went to live with the Lord on December 15, 2007, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, Montana. She was the first daughter of James L and Virginia Hays, and was born March 16, 1937 in Franklin, PA.

Growing up in a small community surrounded by family and friends with the center of her activities in Rocky Grove Presbyterian Church, Ruth Anne enjoyed days of exploring and play that children miss today. Ruth Anne moved with her family to Warren, PA in early high school years and then on to Bradford, PA where her Dad took a position with the Kock-Chatley Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Ruth graduated from Bradford High School in 1955. Her career began as a PBX operator for the MW Kellogg Company in Williamsport, PA. Here she met the love of her life, Melvin Bergvist. Career opportunities arose in New Jersey near family so they lived the beginning years of their marriage in the area.

Ruth and Buddy later moved to Bradford, PA to be near Ruth's parents and here they established a lifetime of dear friends. They shared many days of travel, playing golf, working in their church, Bradford First United Presbyterian Church and taking part in Mason and Shrine activities. Most memorable days were spent with Buddy (Melvin's) children Robert and Joy and watching their family's grow. Happy times were memorable with their nephews: Jim, Dave and Bill. Buddy preceded her in death in 1993. Ruth moved to Kalispell in 2000 with her mother to be near her sister, Dottie Maitland and family. She loved the beauty of Montana and enjoyed sharing the laughter of her nephews; she held in esteem the name Great Aunt Ruth and loved the little ones who shared tea parties, picnics and zoos. Her friends from the Eagles were always steadfast and caring. She held the staff of Immanuel Lutheran as a true blessing as she visited her mother everyday at the home. Immanuel became her home as well following surgery in Seattle. Her last flight to Kalispell was a piece of heaven, her description, and gift from God provided by a generous Kalispell businessman.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father, James L Hays and her husband, Melvin Bergvist.

She is survived by her mother, Virginia Hays, a resident of Immanuel Lutheran, her sister, Dottie Maitland and husband Jim, her nephews: James Maitland and family, Auburn,WA; David and Kerrie Maitland, Kalispell; and Bill Maitland and family of Kalispell; stepson Robert Bergvist and wife Barbara and family of South Carolina, step daughter Joy Lynn and husband Peter of LaPorte, PA and her grandchildren and great grand children in South Carolina and Pennsylvania and cousins from PA, ME, NJ, MD and VT.

Memorial Services will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Home on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 1:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Avenue, Kalispell, Montana or charity of choice.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Ruth's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Ruth's guest book.