Ruth Hill

Ruth Margaret (Ryan) Hill, 42, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 21, 2008. We have no doubt that she received her angel wings and was welcomed with outstretched arms by the Lord.

A wonderful daughter and a loving sister, she was born to Vaughn and Peg Ryan on Sept. 19, 1965, in Evanston, Ill.. Ruth graduated from Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota and continued her education at Northeastern Illinois University where she received her bachelor's in anthropology.

She pursued her dream of becoming a teacher and graduated from Flathead Valley Community College in 2000. After earning her teaching degree and special education endorsement, she taught at various schools in the Flathead Valley. Ruth's compassion, generosity and devotion to improving the lives of others was truly a gift.

Ruth moved to Whitefish in 1994 and met Rusty "Big Red" who became the love of her life. She married him on Aug. 24, 1996, which began their next chapter in life. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. They were blessed with two amazing children, Parker and Maggie. Ruth's greatest joy was her family; they were the centerpieces of her life.

She was preceded in death by her father Vaughn, uncle Ned and grandmother Theo.

She leaves behind her husband Rusty Hill and children Parker and Maggie, at their family home in Olney; mother Peg Ryan, of Glenview, Ill.; brother Tom Ryan and wife Cheryl and their children Dustin, Bethany and Samuel, of New Hope, Minn.; sister Katherine Vann and husband Christopher and their daughter Kasey, of Niles, Ill.; brother-in-law Sean Hill; sister-in-law Sandy Owens and husband Wes, of Whitefish; special friend and nephew Lance Hill, of Whitefish; plus many friends.

Ruth found great richness in the company of her family and friends and she will be greatly missed by all whose life she touched.

A memorial service was held at the United Methodist Church in Whitefish, on June 25, 2008. Private interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ruth Hill, c/o Glacier Bank, 319 Second Street, Whitefish MT 59937.