Ruth J. Pettigrew

Ruth Jeanette (Woldtvedt) Pettigrew passed away peacefully Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Marias Heritage Assisted Living Center in Shelby, Montana.

A funeral service will be held Monday, November 6 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Shelby with burial following at Mountain View Cemetery.  Reception at St. Luke’s Parish Hall following interment.

Ruth was born to Gunder and Amborg (Standahl) Woldtvedt, October 13, 1923 in Kalispell. She grew up in the Ferdig - Oilmont area, attended grade school in Oilmont (elementary) and graduated high school in Shelby. She attended Business School in Great Falls.  Ruth married Sam W. Pettigrew, June 1, 1946 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her four children, Don (Eileen) of Missoula, Gary (Lynn) of Shelby, Ed (Barbara) of Farmington, New Mexico, and Amber Petersen of Tacoma, Washington; her sisters-in-law, Earlene Pettigrew and Anna Mae Woldtvedt; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was loved by nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sam; her brothers, Raymond, Elton, Gordon, Melton; and sister, Emily Greenup

Mom loved to garden and tend her many flowers. She volunteered for Brownies, Cub Scouts and at the hospital auxiliary gift shop. She was a member of St.Luke’s most of her life and was involved in many church activities. Especially quilting, circle and ladies aid. Extended family get-togethers and holiday dinners were a must and she hosted many of them.

Mom’s work ethic was second to none. She started on the farm at a young age, indoor chores with Emily, the outdoor chores were for the boys. The motto was always “Busy hands are happy hands”. She worked outside the home waitressing and helping Sam with management of Bair’s Cafe. Her business and bookkeeping skills enabled her to become the branch manager of 1st Federal Savings and Loan in Shelby after which she retired.

Memorials in Ruth’s name may be directed to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Shelby or a charity of choice

The family would like to thank The Marias Heritage Center and staff for their loving and compassionate care of our mother for the last year.