RutheMary Kronebusch

On December 7, Conrad lost the “Commander and Chief” of St Michael’s funeral luncheons.  RutheMary was born in Laurel, MT on June 17, 1924 to parents Otto and Gertrude Bundy.   RutheMary attended schools in Sydney, Glendive, and Glasgow.  She graduated with an Associate Degree from Northern Montana College.  Her first teaching position was in Brady, MT and in later years shared her teaching expertise with many schools.   She also worked for the Veteran’s Administration in Helena, MT as a typing clerk.

RutheMary married Kenneth J. Kronebusch on November 4, 1947.  They raised a family of six children on the family farm north of Conrad.  There RutheMary learned the ways of the farm life, with the help of her mother-in-law.  She also was part-owner of Kronebusch Electric that was established in 1968.

She was active in Girl Scouts, 4-H, American Legion Auxiliary, PMC Hospital Auxiliary, Pondera Arts Council and Horizon Lodge Board.  RutheMary’s dedicated work at St Michael’s Church included: Parish Council member, Parish Historian, as well as the church’s very first religious education director.

She served as a National Delegate and Province director for the National Council of Catholic Women.  As a delegate for Montana Association of Churches, RutheMary worked to promote ecumenism, as well as served as the Chairman of the Conrad Area Church Women United.  RutheMary received many State and Community awards, one of which was Pondera County Senior Citizen of the Year.

RutheMary’s passions included:  Special Olympics, Red Hatters, and music.  She was a member of the St Cecilia Choir, Memory Lane Singers, and enjoyed being a piano accompanist.  She cared about providing inspirational and patriotic programs and Mass at PMC Extended Care, and was an American Legion and VFW community liaison.

RutheMary was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth J. Kronebusch in 2010 and her daughter, Judith in 1983. She is survived by her three sons: Rik (Sheryl) of Vista CA, Ted (Lori) of Conrad, Jon (Shirley) of Conrad; her two daughters: Dede Brown (Tom) of Conrad, and Joan E. of Billings; and her brother, David P. Bundy of Conrad.

She also leaves her grandchildren: Jennifer, Alison, Shawn, Julia, Lynsey, Roberta, Jerad and Nicki, as well as four great grandchildren.

Memorials can be given to Conrad Scholars and Pondera Healthcare Foundation.