Althea Ringling

Visitation: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 from 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City

Funeral Service: Friday, July 29, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in White Sulfur Springs.

Althea L. Ringling, age 86, of Miles City passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2005 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.

Althea L. Shearer the daughter of David W. and Addie (Parks) Shearer was born on her parents homestead west of Sixteen, Montana on July 18, 1919. Althea attended school in White Sulphur Springs, Banks, Oregon and Bozeman, Montana graduating from High School in White Sulphur Springs, Class of 1937.Althea was married to her high school sweetheart Paul Ringling in Livingston, Montana on December 18, 1940. Althea traveled with her husband Paul checking outdoor advertising for Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey circus during the 1941 season. Althea completed Butte Business College and was employed at Montana State College until August 1945 when her husband returned home from the Air Corps. Althea worked for the Federal Land Bank in Bozeman while Paul attended MSC through the spring of 1946 on the G.I. bill.

Althea and Paul had three children who were a joy in her life; Richard in 1946, Ann in 1948 and Paul D. "Rock" in 1952. Althea and Paul were able to purchase a part of the family ranch at White Sulphur Springs in 1949. They moved to the Sheep Mountain Ranch in Springdale, Montana in 1959 and to their present ranch in Ekalaka, Montana in 1966. Althea was a wonderful ranch partner that especially enjoyed the baby colts. She enjoyed traveling; her antiques, had many friends and was a great hostess.

Althea is survived by her husband Paul Ringling of Miles City, her children; Richard T. Ringling of Miles City, MT, Ann B. Ringling of Portsmouth, NH, and Paul D. "Rock" Ringling and his wife Bobbi Uecker of Helena, MT, two nephews Wesley Skerritt of Fort Benton, MT and Arnold Doig of Manhattan, MT, one sister Esther Skerritt of White Sulphur Springs, MT and three grandchildren, Matthew Pierce, son of Ann B. Ringling and Joe and Ricky Ringling sons of Rock and Bobbi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and six sisters.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 from 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 29, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in White Sulphur Springs. Interment will follow in the Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs with Eastern Star Rites provided by Martha Chapter 11. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, friends may bequeath memorials to the Arthritis Foundation P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077 or to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.