At age nineteen, in 1944, Ruth began teaching English in Colstrip High School. Some fifty years later she retired as Assistant Professor of English at Montana State University – Billings. She had served two terms as Fulbright Lecturer at the University of Peredeniya in Sri Lanka and had also taught at Carroll College in Helena, Miles Community College and at Hysham High School, her home town. In 1954 she married Clyde Carrington, and for seven years they taught in Navy Dependent Schools in Taiwan, the Philippine Islands and Morocco. From 1975 to 1984 she worked as a resource specialist in AARP Library I Washington, D.C.
In September 2002, Ruth married Alton O. Birch of Addy, WA. They spent five and half happy retirement years together until his death in March 2008. Ruth returned to live at the family farm out of Hysham, MT with her brother Donald Gibson. They enjoyed participating in Treasure County Senior Citizen activities, Eastern Montana Fiddler Jamborees and dances were among their other activities. Ruth Birch passed away in the afternoon of April 22, 2014 after playing cards with her friends.
Ruth was born in Burr Oak, Kansas on December 6, 1924 the daughter of L.D. and Mina (Oglevie) Gibson of Hysham, MT. She attended and graduated from Hysham High School, receiver Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Montana, and a Ph. D. in English from the University of Maryland.
In 1968 Ruth became active in politics, serving on national committees, as vice chair of the Montana Democratic Central Committee, and as chair of the Treasure County Democrats.
As chair of the county Bicentennial Commission, she edited and supervised publication of two histories of Treasure County in 1975 and 1976, and later she served on the board of the 89’ers Museum in Hysham. She also served as co-president of the Writers Group of the Billings Arts Association.
Ruth is survived by her brother Don Gibson of Hysham, a sister, Edith (Joseph) Malia of Billings, three stepdaughters, Kristin (Michael) Watson of Spokane, Sonja (Walter) Lebuis of Port Angeles, WA, and Dana (Richard) Cunningham of Hysham, niece Cheryl Malia McCall, nephews Rich and Don Malia, of Billings, and eight grand nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorial in Ruth’s name can be made to Treasure County Senior Citizens, PO Box 363, Hysham, MT 59038 or Treasure County 89’ers Museum, PO Box 489, Hysham, MT 59038.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2, 2014 at 11:00 AM in the Hysham Community Presbyterian. A luncheon will follow the services at the Community Center in Hysham, and burial will take place following the luncheon in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Friday May 2, 2014
Community Presbyterian Church
Hysham, MT 59038
Graveside Service
1:30 PM
Friday May 2, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Friday May 2, 2014
Community Presbyterian Church
Hysham, MT 59038
Graveside Service
1:30 PM
Friday May 2, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Ruth’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Ruth. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. My memories of Ruth go back a long ways. She was one of my teachers in the late 60″s at Miles Community College. She was an outstanding educator and inspired me in my 41 years as a teacher. My late parents and I loved to go fishing at Don’s place. I remember Ruth and I riding in the back end of a pick-up surveying Don’s property along the river. The roadway was less than ideal and Ruth insisted we stand up so we could see more. Pretty scary!
May the many beautiful memories you have of her give you peace now and in the days ahead.
Glen and Pam White says
Great lady and wonderful teacher. We are fortunate to have taught with Ruth and learned from all her expertise. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
J Johnson says
Dear family of Ruth G Birch – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you peace and comfort through his sure promise to give us comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all the happy memories of Mrs. Ruth G Birch and I hope you are comforted by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Gary Coffrin says
It was my pleasure to have Ruth as an instructor during the 1968-69 year at Miles Community College. She was the most enthusiastic and encouraging instructor I had during my under-grad or graduate years. It was my loss that we did not have encounters later, but I am grateful for the insights and inspiration she provided.