Ruth Lillian Slater (Buechler), age 86 of Whitefish, MT, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 3, 2015 at The Springs at Whitefish in Whitefish, MT . Ruth was being visited and comforted by family members.
Ruth was born December 6, 1928 in Mildred Montana. She was the ninth and youngest child of Matilda and Fred J. Buechler.
Ruth grew up on the family farm about 17 miles outside of Fallon, MT, where German was exclusively spoken at home. She rode her horse 5 miles to a one-room schoolhouse. Later Ruth attended high school in Terry, MT where she was a member of the band and a cheerleader. After high school, Ruth went on to become a Registered Nurse, graduating at the top of her class. She began work at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City. On a night out with friends to a local dance club, Leon Park, she met Kermit Slater who not only was a good dancer but had a new car. They fell in love and danced together throughout their married life.
After starting a family, Ruth worked part-time at the Garberson Clinic. When she retired from the Clinic, she worked at the Veterans Hospital, Miles City for another ten years. She was known to say, “now I’ve worked long enough to earn two damn gold watches” – the customary retirement award!
Ruth was active in the 1st United Methodist Church and raised her children to know the church as an extended family. She sang in the church choir and thus introduced her family to music. Ruth had many church activities that she loved including working with the MYF youth group, teaching Sunday school – especially for the 3-4 year olds, organizing the fair food booth, Hobo Stew, and was very active in the United Methodist Women.
Ruth traveled extensively in the US and abroad – it seemed that she had friends wherever she went. Her PEO chapter was also an important part of her social life along with her dedication to playing golf.
Ruth was preceded in death by: her husband, Kermit Slater; brothers and sisters Bert, Naome, Lindy, Eva, Reuben, Otto, and Ray.
Ruth is survived by sister Regina (Jean) Byrd, Seattle, WA who celebrated her 100th birthday last March. Children: Rod Slater, Auckland, New Zealand, Judy Goodrich, Liberty Lake, WA, Allen & wife, Becky Slater, Kalispell, MT, and Jerry & wife, Shawn Slater, Huson, MT. Grandchildren: Tristin Slater, Abby (Goodrich) Rzegocki, Ben Slater, Megan Slater, Bree Nelson, Kale Kramer. Great Grandchildren: Vivian and James Rzegocki, Gabriel and Bethany Slater, Brody and Kole Nelson. It is significant to note that she loved and raised as family, for at least part of their lives, nephew and niece Don Slater, McMinnville, OR and Kim (Slater) Keller, Grove, OK
Special thanks to The Springs at Whitefish and Frontier Hospice for their uncommon kindness and care.
Funeral services will be held at the Miles City United Methodist Church at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 19, 2015. A gathering will immediately follow services at the church. Burial will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Send condolences or personal comments about Ruth to stevensonandsons.com.
The family suggests that any memorials be given to UMYF youth program at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City.
Sharon Oftedal says
Both Jerry and Kim were in my fifth grade classes at Washington School. Ruth was one of my favorite parents, and I always looked forward to visiting with her! She was so gracious, and was a wonderful influence on her children. My thoughts are with you.
Katy Harbaugh says
Allen and family –
Sorry to read about your Mom – she was a grand Lady! May your memories keep her in your hearts.
Tana (McMillan) Frost says
Dear Judy and family,
As a neighborhood friend, I especially remember your mother’s kind smile. My sympathy to your family and prayers for God’s comfort.
Karen Krausz says
I met Ruth when I started work at the VA as a new grad. She was very kind and helpful as I began my career and was learning so many new things. And when I found out that I had passed my nursing boards, and I didn’t have anyone I could tell, (my family was out of town at the time), I called the VA. Ruth happened to be working on my floor that day, so I told her. She was very happy for me and gave me that wonderful pat on the back. I enjoyed the many years that we worked together and will always have warm memories of a beautiful lady.
Maureen Larson says
I had the pleasure of getting to know Ruth in her last year’s in Miles City. She was the epitome of grace and made friends with everyone she met. My prayers and condolences to Ruth’s family and may God bless you all during this difficult time.
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
To all of Ruth’s family: We are saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing, but know she’s in a much better place. Ruth was such a neat lady. One impressive thing about Ruth was the way Ruth dressed. Wow what a classy dresser. Ruth will be dearly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May God wrap his arms of comfort around you all.
Tanna Peterson Aye says
Jerry and family;
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your mom. What a lady she was. She thought nothing of jumping in the car and driving cross country to see a friend or family or getting in the tractor to help plant or harvest. She will be missed.
Shannon Halsey-Holmen says
So sad to see another one of those great nurses gone. Nursing isn’t the same as when her generation worked. She should have been my mother-in-law as I remember Jerry proposing to me on a picnic table across the street . We would have been about 4 or 5 years old. MY PRAYER TO ALL OF YOU, AND HERES TO HAPY MEMOIRIES.
Troy and JoDee Hess says
Sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cherie says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at the loss of your mother. Hugs
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
Judy and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. She was such a special lady with such a twinkle in her eye. She always made me smile. She would come into Munchies with the Methodist women for birthday lunches and they all had such a great time. She is one of my fondest memories from going to the Methodist Church during junior high and high school. She will definitely be missed by so many.
Deb(Moths)Schmeling says
Dear Slater Family,
Sorry to hear about your dear Mother. She was a grand lady that showed grace and mercy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you. May you remember all the good memories.
Hugs
Deb
molstad and smith families says
our sympathy to the slater family at this sad time. so hard to loose our beloved parents. jerry, we always think of you with love. xxxooo
Janet Edmonds says
Judy, Your Mom; such a beautiful woman with the captivating smile. She was always so kind and accepting of our teenage shenanigans! I am sorry to hear the news. You and all of your Family are in my thoughts.
Hal Vosen says
Ruth and her husband Kermit were good friends to Lynne and I. I sang with Ruth in the church choir, we worked together in the food booth at the Fair, and enjoyed couple clusters together.
When Ruth moved to Missoula, we visited often. She and Lynne are in heaven now, and I hope they are resuming their friendship. Condolences to her family from Hal Vosen and family.