On the evening of November 1, 2020 at Holy Rosary Extended Care, Ruth Birkholz passed away. Her son Robert was by her side as she left her earthly life for her eternal home with her Savior.
Ruth was born December 24, 1918 in Hermann, Missouri, to Otto and Ernestine Graupner. She was the last child born of five girls and two boys.
In 1939, Ruth went west to Montana to visit her sister Esther Barnhart at their ranch near Espy. While there Ruth placed an ad in the Miles City Star as follows – Work wanted — Girl 21 wants housework, waitress, cooking or a job caring for children. A divorced dairy farmer, August Birkholz with two children east of Miles City hired her. Not long thereafter they were married on September, 28, 1939 at the Trinity Lutheran Church parsonage in Miles City. To this union were born seven children.
Ruth was a homemaker until 1961 when her husband passed away. She then moved to Miles City, went to college and got a teaching degree. She taught for a few years at a country school north of Miles City. Her interests were music gardening, reading and taking care of special needs children. She also enjoyed her grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings, her husband and two sons, John and Paul. She is survived by John’s wife Karen and Paul’s wife Millie both of Great Falls; sons, Ted (Karen) of Clinton Twp, Michigan, Don of Broadus, Bob (Nancy) of Terry and James (Tammy) of Plano, TX and daughter Judy (Jon) Boe of Englewood, CO. She also has 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Custer County Cemetery with Pastor Howard Schreibeis officiating. A Visitation will also be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 11 am to 1pm on Thursday at the Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home prior to the graveside service. A memorial service for Ruth will be planned next summer. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Karen Morris says
The family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your memories.
Larry and Judy says
Sending our sympathies, Bob and Family. May the gentle hand of God touch your hearts with peace.
Cheryl Neal says
My sympathy for your loss. Heaven has gained another angel.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Bob,Nancy and family
Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Shelley Schultz Steyh says
Bob and Nancy so sorry for loss. Keeping you in our prayers.
SALLY A. BORLA says
HI DON: SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM AND I DO REMEMBER SHE WAS LIVING AT THE EAGLES MANOR. WHAT A WONDERFUL AGE SHE LIVED TO BE AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW I AM THINKING ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WAS TELLING MY BROTHER ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR MOM AND HE MENTIONED WHAT A WONDERFUL GARDEN YOU RAISED HERE AT THE CAMPGROUND AND WHAT A HARD WORKER YOU ARE AND STILL ARE–GOD BLESS AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Bob, Nancy and Family., Our thoughts and prayers are with you all God Bless
Kelli Rooney says
Such a sweet little lady whom I had the privilege of meeting when I worked at the Holy Rosary Extended Care. Thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Delphine Coon says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time
Hazel J Stabler says
Bob and Nancy I am thinking of you today and how loyal Bob was in visiting his Mother. May God bless you and give you peace.
Marie Farnum Kluver says
Birkholz Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember times with your family and mine in the valley and at the Kircher School. God Bless You.
janice kaul says
So sorry Nancy & family. My prayers are with you.
Jane Huber says
Nancy, Bob and family, so sorry for your loss, may your memories give you great comfort.
Ardel Hilderbrand says
Bob and Nancy, I know your mom had a long slog living at HREC for such a long time. But you were so faithful to visit her and keep her company. What a blessing for any mother! It is never easy to say goodbye to ones mother but thankfully she is no longer tethered to a tired body. My heartfelt sympathy is with you. In friendship, Deljean Hilderbrand