Ruth F. Hayes McRae, 86, of Rosebud Creek, passed away peacefully in Billings on June 18, 2024. Ruth was born in Petersburg, Pennsylvania on April 2, 1938 to Florence and Conley Hayes. Ruth graduated from Bald Eagle Nittany High School in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania in 1956. She then attended nursing school at Geisinger Memorial Hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania obtaining her Registered Nursing Degree.
She married Wallace D. McRae in Mill Hall, PA on December 4th, 1960. They came home to ranch on the Rosebud where they resided at Greenleaf Land and Livestock, and then to Rocker Six Cattle Co. until 2021 when they retired and moved to St. Johns Retirement Home in Laurel then Billings.
Ruth was a very soft spoken, loving, and kind person. She was well known for her cooking for branding and shipping crews. She had a reputation for her strawberry rhubarb pies, apple crisp and cherry cobbler. Her home cooked meals for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were always highly anticipated. She enjoyed making chokecherry, buffalo berry, and wild plum jelly, as well as home-made applesauce.
She was a longtime member of the Colstrip Community Church where she played the piano for 40 years. She served for several years on the board of Rosebud County Library in Colstrip. Her passion was gardening, growing flowers, and raising rhubarb. She also enjoyed watching and identifying the variety of birds that came to her bird feeders throughout the seasons. Ruth is survived by her husband, Wallace McRae of Billings; children, Clint McRae (Tammy) of Rosebud Creek, Allison (Eric) Williams of Tacoma, Washington, and Natalie Patterson (Jack) of Franklin, Tennessee; her sister, Ann Hayes Sherwood (Bill) of Hughesville, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services will be held in the Colstrip Community Church at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. A luncheon will immediately follow at the church with interment in the Lee Cemetery on Rosebud Creek. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Ruth Ferree McRae, age 86, of Colstrip
April 2, 1938 – June 18, 2024
Loni and Buggs Hartman says
We are so very sorry for your loss of a beautiful kind woman. As I told Natalie she was the role model for a kind and gentle woman with the prettiest red lips. When I was younger she would smile at me and it would brighten my day because she was so pretty and a gentle soul. She always reminded me of a modern day Carolyn Ingalls because she was a true country loving lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
andy kukes says
Sad to hear about Ruth’s passing. She was always so nice to be around. Whenever reminiscing, I tell people about the great meals she would make after the brandings when we were kids. They were truly the best. Our deepest condolences. Andy and Gayla Kukes
Shirley A Skinner says
Tom and I were heartbroken to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was truly one of the kindest, most gentle souls we have ever known. She was soft spoken and always such a lady! She will surely be missed by so many. Prayers, condolences and love to the family.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Our condolences to the McRae family. Ruth was such a nice lady , we loved to visit with her and she always made you feel comfortable about anything or any subject you wanted to talk about. She will be missed!
SHELLY HOLUM says
Sending prayers to all of the McRae family
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
Condolences to the family. Ruth was a beautiful soul and will be missed by many. I always loved seeing her as she was always so nice. Hugs to the families Wally, Natalie, Allison and Clint. 💔
Debra Fadhl Nolan says
My condolences to the McRae family.
Danny Johnson says
She was such a neat lady. Praying peace and comfort for the family.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Wally, Allison, Natalie and Clint,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ruth was a beautiful soul and a dear friend. She always was generous, lloving and kind.. I lloved our chats on the phone and in person when possible. Ruth will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers,.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Ruth was the most gracious woman I have ever known. She was unfailingly kind and thoughtful. Our condolences to Wally and the family and all who counted her as friend. She will be deeply missed.
Lu Shomate says
We are so sorry to hear this news. Ruth was such a lady and yet would be right in the thick of things with her gentle voice and radiant smile. My thoughts and prayers are with her much loved McRae family.
pat riedel says
Wally and family
sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. she always had a smile for everyone and was well liked and loved
Cathy and John Frank says
We are saddened to hear that Ruth has passed. When I think of a lady with kind and gentle mannerisms, Ruth always comes to mind. She always had a smile and a hello whenever we crossed paths. The McRae family is in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Ken and Kelly sargent says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the McRae family.
We knew Ruth through wonderful stories through Elizabeth.
May those stories bring you comfort in the days and weeks to come.
Burch and Linda Palmer says
Sure sorry to hear. Condolences to Wally and family. Burch and Linda Palmer
Mark Huisenga says
Wally, Clint, Allison, and Natalie:
Tamie and I were very sad to hear of Ruth’s passing! Hers was always a calm, reassuring constant at the McRae’s, and she even welcomed us and our families in to be married in your basement! Not sure if she knew what she was getting her family into, but as always, she weathered the experience with calm and grace.
We wish you joy in her memory, and strength in your mourning.
Sorry for your loss!
Tamie and Mark
Beth Farr says
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was such a special lady.
Peggy Bennett Salitros says
A great lady. I am so sorry for the loss to her family, church and community.
Bob and Jan Morgan says
So sorry for your loss. Ruth was a wonderful person and I feel honored to have known her. Never saw her without a smile for someone.
Annette Willis DeLattre says
Wally and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. She was beautiful and gracious and I always admired her.
Tracee Raymond Waples says
Wally, Clint and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. Ruth was always so nice and an amazing lady. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Elwood says
What a beautiful person Ruth was. I didn’t know her well, but when I had the occasion to be around her I always enjoyed it. May God be with all her family at this time.
Carol J (Wimer) Plympton says
Ruth will always hold a very special spot in my heart. Through all of our history as friends, there are fond and happy memories of Ruth; from helping me with a solo in the Community Church, to babysitting Willy when I worked at the Peabody Coal Mine and encouraging a young bride in domestic duties and faith in God. Our long-standing family history as neighbors and friends will always be a part of my life, from here to eternity. I love you,Ruth. Till we meet again. Love and hugs to all the family.
Janis Langohr says
“”Soft spoken, loving and kind” are indeed the words that describe Ruth. I spent a summer on the Rosebed Creek years ago and enjoyed a number a “neighborhood “ gatherings while I was there. I was so impressed by Ruth’s quiet presence, sincerity and her caring for those around her . She will be missed . My thoughts are with the McRae family.
Bob & Diane Henriksen says
We are so sorry for your loss. Ruth was a beautiful lady. I enjoyed serving on the Library Board with her and enjoy many recipes that she shared. May God grant you comfort and peace.
Louise de Montigny says
My condolences to the McRae family for this passing. May you enjoy many wonderful memories of this beautiful lady.
Walter and ArLynn Archer says
So sorry to learn of Ruth’s passing. She was a beautiful, talented soul and the messages above attest to all the wonderful memories your family, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances have.
Walter and Becky Piehl says
Our sympathy to Wally and Ruth’s family. They were so gracious in inviting me to stay with them when I had an art exhibit at the Colstrip School Art Gallery
Dennis & Vickie Krause says
Beautiful lady from inside to outside. It’s so hard to lose a parent especially twice .. once from the dementia & next death. She’ll be a lasting lovely memory to so many. I know personally she will be for Dennis & I. We r thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Heidi McClain says
Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Our family was so happy to meet Wally’s pretty wife when they moved to Montana and our Grandmother, Signe Rye, gave a party for Ruth’s Mother when she came out to visit Ruth and Wally. Ruth was a special lady in so many ways and her sweet smile made everyone feel good. The Colstrip Community Church brought our families together many times through the years and we so appreciated the numerous times that Ruth visited our Grandmother after our Grandfather passed away.
We will keep you in our prayers.
Debby, Wendy, Heidi & Mark
Amy Hofacker says
Dear Wally and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your darling wife and mother, Ruth. She always had her beautiful smile and warm bright eyes to greet everyone she met. I remember visiting with her many years ago. She shared the story of meeting Wally in Pennsylvania, getting married and moving out to Montana. At the time, I told her she was so brave to make the commitment to a life of ranching in the west. She didn’t think she was brave at all, she loved everything about her Montana home and life with Wally and the family. May the Lord be with you at this difficult time. Amy and Dick Hofacker
Andrita Harris says
Wally, Clint, Natalie Allison & McRae Family
So sorry for your loss, your mom was a very classy Lady LEGACY of your family. Natalie you remind me of her.
RIP COWGIRL. PRAYERS
Mark Browning says
Sorry to hear the news, Walter, of you losing your life partner.
I immediately wondered, with a smile, what limerick you may have penned for her.
Maybe I’ll get a chance to hear it sometime.
Sending peace and kindness your way.
Sherry A Fields says
Condolances to the McRae family. I only met Ruth a few times when I was a teenager, but she has been in my memory these 40 years as the epitome of a true lady, and I have used Ruth as one the women in my life I aspire to emulate.
Sherry Snider Fields and for my mother, Yvonne Snider
Doug Benge says
Wally and all family:
Very sorry to learn of Ruth’s passing. I very much enjoyed our professional relationship and friendship. Best wishes.
Doug Benge
Donn and Dorothy Bartlett says
Wally
We are so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. We treasure the times we spent with you and Ruth at the Crossings and have often wished they had lasted longer.
Take care of yourself. We continue to think of you.
Donn and Dorothy Bartlett, your old new friends
Deb and Pete Peters says
To the McRae family, Deb and I are sorry to hear of your loss of Wife, Mother and Grandmother. We would like to offer our condolences. Pete and Deb Peters
Jackson Craig says
Wally and the McRae Family as sorry for your loss of a wonderful, cherish lady as Ruth love and precious grace to you all throughout the vast years. As celebration of her life treasures and longevity in each one of you in your heart these special precious moments and memories forever will have to reflect on. My thoughts and prayers to you during this time. The comfort and peace is there about you as your family and the friends surround you as well as faith and strength there.
Dee Mobley says
When I came to Ashland as a new very green bride in 1964, Ruth was a beacon of kindness and quiet joy. And class! I always wished she lived next door.
I regret falling out of touch. But I look forward to seeing her again!
Laura & Cliff Monasmith says
Remembering a gentle spirit and nice woman. Our prayers are with you all.
Donaleen Rogers says
I am sad that I didn’t get to be there when you honored your mother and wife today. Ruth was such a gracious lady. One time we came to her home for a meeting, and she made Linzer Torte bars. For this chocolate loving gal they were such a pleasant surprise! She gave me the recipe and they are one of my go to bars for events. I always think Ruth was the “calm” to Wally’s “spunk”! My heart goes out to the McRae family.
Mary Ellen Westwood says
In the several conversations I had with this wonderful lady over the years, I was always in awe of her strength, grace and good humor. Like her, my three grandmothers came to Montana from “back East” and, like her, found a way to make the place their own. The loss of such a fine person, life partner and parent is hard to bear, but I have no doubt a kind and loving Creator has welcomed Ruth into the Heaven of her choice. May you in her family left behind find peace and joy in your memories of her unique and special life.
Denise K Wagner says
We were blessed to have Ruth and her family as neighbors during our time on the Rosebud. Lots of great memories were made while we lived there. May the Lord bless you with lots of great memories.
Dee & Shelly Batey says
Sending prayers to a wonderful lady. May she rest in peace.
Mary Smith Roig says
Wally, Clint, Allison and Natalie and all the friends and family. I’m so sorry for the loss of cousin Ruth. She was one of the sweetest and gentleness. Ruth was a lady that was loved by all. She loved God and served others . I did not know she passed until today. I will visit her at the Lee Cemetary.
My prayers go out to all of you. I knew her well and my mom loved her dearly as all did . Love and prayers to you all
Dora Meidinger- Huckins says
My sincere condolences to Wally and family!
God’s blessings with love and prayers. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Collin (Wilsey) Smith says
Dear Wally, My sincere prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Ruth was always so thoughtful when I called.
I wish you well.
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph G. English says
Dear Wally and Family,
Joe and I are so saddened to hear of your loss. Ruth was a very special person and friend. We always enjoyed visiting you two. I shall never forget December 4, 1960 !!! May God be with you always but especially now and may all the happy memories erase your sadness. Love and Hugs, Ginny English
janice shaver says
Ruth was one of my favorite people who I got to visit with when she and Wally came to the Dentist! We always shared favorite rhubarb recipies and talked about our flowers! Ruth was a strong, kind and gracious lady. A beautiful flower herself!
Elaine Smith Jenkins says
Wally and family
Mom and I were so sad to hear of Ruth’s passing. So many fond memories of her. She will be so missed by all who knew her. Love and prayers
Elaine Smith Jenkins and Ellen Smith
Manny King says
Prayers from a Colstrip ‘Colts 71 alumni and all the family, God bless Ruth on your beautiful journey home.