Faye Pierson Ruffatto, 78 formerly of Miles City, passed away peacefully, May 9th, 2016 surrounded by her family in Orange, California.
Faye is survived by her children, DeMaris Burt, (Steve), of Billings, MT, Domenic Ruffatto (Cyndi) of Eugene, OR, Clay Ruffatto of Sheridan, WY and DeRene Garcia (Tom) of Orange, CA and 12 grandchildren, 5, great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister Carla Addison of Cheyenne, WY, treasured niece Cindy Farley Urlacher and 3 sister-in-laws, many nieces, nephews and life long friends. Preceding her in death was her loving husband of 40 years Domenic, her brother Vance, her sister Marcia, treasured nephew Jimmy Farley and parents Carl and Gail Pierson.
Mom had many challenges in life; but had the strength and character to shine through. She had many hobbies and accomplishments for she was never idle. Camping, boating, crafts, and entertaining are just to name a few. She was a hard working mother in addition to her careers at Holy Rosary and Fish and Game, for which she received many accolades. When her sister Marcia became ill; they helped raise Cindy and Jimmy as their own. They had many extras at the dinner table throughout 40 years of marriage even when their four kids were too much handle while Dad worked out of town.
After Dad passed in 1997 she swore she would continue to live their dream and drove their 40 foot RV towing a car to California and Arizona. She was never one to be told she couldn’t do anything including building a patio deck with a jig saw. She enjoyed the fruits of her labor, sitting on her patio under the shade of her grapevine and making many jars of jelly.
Mom had many medical challenges in her life, including four brain surgeries and cancer which caused her to sell the family home in Miles City in Jan 2013 and move to Billings. In December 2013 she went to California for Christmas only to have her firmly state that she would never go back to a Montana winter and never did, She spent the last 2 ½ years of her life being lovingly cared for by DeRene and her family enjoying the weather, flowers, and wildlife.
Mom and Dad had a very special love for each other, family, friends, and had many treasured memories.
A special thank you to Dolores Lucas and St. Joseph Hospice for the comforting care they provided.
In lieu of flowers donations can be given in her honor to Grace Bible Church Miles City, MT Youth Ministry program.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at Grace Bible Church. Interment will follow at the Sidney Cemetery in Sidney, MT at 3:30 p.m. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, MT
Share
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
to Faye’s family:
Sorry for your loss, Faye was a neighbor and friend. She always had a beautiful smile, even through all her trials and tribulations.
Kolleen Waldo Forsyth says
Our sincere sympathies, Ruffatto family. I have such fond memories of our growing up years in Miles City when our families visited together and all of us kids were young. Don and Faye were fun to be around. Its so hard to lose our Moms. Know that we share in your loss.
James L. Arneson says
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I was able to visit with her and your dad when I built their wooden handrail in their home here in Miles City years ago. What two wonderful and kind people they both were. May God watch over your family during this time of loss.
Pam (Moths) Nisley and Dave Nisley says
I have been praying for some time for your sweet mother~ she is now in the arms of her Savior, although she will be missed greatly by all of her dear family and loved ones, she has left a huge imprint on many lives…. in a very positive way. We continue to lift all of you up in prayer, for comfort in these days and months ahead….we care!
Rod Waldo says
I have many great memories of summers and holidays with my aunt Faye, uncle Dom and cousins at the house in Miles city. I am very fortunate to have had an aunt like Faye. She will be missed.
Nannette Faye Waldo says
I will always remember Aunt Faye, because that is my middle name; and as Rod stated all our family gatherings growing up. Love to you all!
Meg Sampsel says
Rufffatto family. Just wanted to let you all know I am thinking of you and your mom. What a great lady! I will be in town the week end of the service. Mom and I are planning on being there. My thoughts are with you all. Meg
Candye Pierson says
Faye was a special woman and certainly made me feel welcome when I joined the family by marriage to Vance. I have many memories of fun times spent with your parents. It leaves a big ache in my heart to no longer have them here, but i know they are reunited and watching over us all. Love you kids, even though we rarely get to see each other.
Leah Mann Donovan says
So many great memories of your Mom, she seemed to stayed calm during many of our escaped and just kind of rolled with it. It was a pleasure knowing her. My love to you all.
Lynn Waldo-Singer says
My heart is broken, Aunt Faye was a great lady and loved by all. I have many fond memories of spending time with her and the family in Miles City. She will be deeply missed. Love to DeMaris, Domenic, Clay and DeRene.
Richard and Dolores Lucas says
There are no words to express the sadness we are feeling of the passing of Faye. It was a honor to take care of you until the end. We had a lot laughs, watching old movies and Food network thou we never cook any of the foods (haha). Going out to lunch or just sitting outside watching the birds and squirrels. I know that you are now resting in peace with your husband, family and friends that passed before. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. To the Ruffatto family and grandchildren we send our deepest condolences with prayers of love to get through this time
Tory Fields says
Dear Ruffato Family〰thinking of you ALL with much love! Faye was such a beautiful lady and so wonderful to our family! I remember ALWAY’s being welcomed by both your Mom and Dad? It is so hard to lose our parents….I pray my Mom and Faye are doing some catching up together in Heaven!!! God Bless you ALL…keep those precious memories of your Mom close to your heart to help the grieving….until you meet again in Heaven!❤️ Love & Prayers, Tory
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Ruffato Family, I worked for your dad at Hines. I had great respect for him and was the only female in the building. Along with that, I had the opportunity to get to know and become friends with Faye. They always opened up their home, were warm and caring people and touched many lives and we are glad that they touched ours. The beauty of a life well lived lives on and on. In still moments, may you remember the love and the happy times, and find comfort in these memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Bartholomew says
Faye Ruffato’s Family:
I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom. Faye always had a smile on her face and liked to visit when you greeted her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get thru hard times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jennifer Evans(Piersob) says
My deepest condolances to the Ruffato family. Sadly, I was not able to see Aunt Faye for several years, but she has been in my thoughts. I have very fond memories of visiting in Miles City and jumping on the waterbed and playing under the canopy of grape vines! I also remember all the practical jokes she, Uncle Dom, Carla, and my Dad would play. What a very special couple Faye and Dom made! I feel lucky to have had them as my Aunt and Uncle. I am truly sorry for your loss and the heartache that comes with this time of sorrow and adjustment. My thoughts are with you all, especially Dee, DeRene, Dominic, and Clay. Love and hugs to you all!
In deepest sympathy, Jennifer Evans (Pierson)
Brand Hirsch says
Dear\Ruffato”s: I am so sorry to hear that Faye has passed away. She was such a great lady, good neighbor, and friend to my uncle Chris and aunt Betty as you all were. She will be sorely missed by all that had the good fortune to have met her. The one thought that should bring some comfort is, that you’re father, Betty, and Jerry are there to greet her with loving arms.. She is in good hands and, her pain has subsided. Our thought’s are with you all.