Ruth Anne Bergvist, 70
Ruth Anne Bergvist "went to live with the Lord" on Dec. 15, 2007, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was the first daughter of James L. and Virginia Hays, and was born March 16, 1937, in Franklin, Pa.
Growing up in a small community surrounded by family and friends with the center of her activities in Rocky Grove Presbyterian Church, Ruth Anne enjoyed days of exploring and play that children miss today. Ruth Anne moved with her family to Warren, Pa., in her early high school years and then on to Bradford, Pa., where her dad took a position with the Kock-Chatley Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Ruth graduated from Bradford High School in 1955.
Her career began as a PBX operator for the MW Kellogg Company in Williamsport, Pa. Here she met the love of her life, Melvin Bergvist. Career opportunities arose in New Jersey near family so they lived the beginning years of their marriage in the area.
Ruth and Buddy later moved to Bradford to be near Ruth's parents, and there they established a lifetime of dear friends. They shared many days of travel, playing golf, working in their church, Bradford First United Presbyterian Church, and taking part in Mason and Shrine activities.
Most memorable days were spent with Buddy (Melvin's) children, Robert and Joy, and watching their families grow. Happy times were memorable with their nephews, Jim, Dave and Bill.
Buddy preceded Ruth in death, in 1993.
Ruth moved to Kalispell in 2000 with her mother to be near her sister, Dottie Maitland and family. She loved the beauty of Montana and enjoyed sharing the laughter of her nephews; she held in esteem the name Great Aunt Ruth and loved the little ones who shared tea parties, picnics and zoos. Her friends from the Eagles were always steadfast and caring.
She held the staff of Immanuel Lutheran as a true blessing as she visited her mother everyday at the home. Immanuel became her home as well, following surgery in Seattle. Her last flight to Kalispell was a piece of heaven - her description - and gift from God, provided by a generous Kalispell businessman.
Ruth was preceded in death by her father, James L. Hays; and her husband, Melvin Bergvist.
She is survived by her mother, Virginia Hays, a resident of Immanuel Lutheran; her sister, Dottie Maitland, and husband, Jim; her nephews, James Maitland and family of Auburn, Wash., David and Kerrie Maitland of Kalispell, and Bill Maitland and family of Kalispell; stepson, Robert Bergvist, and wife, Barbara, and family of South Carolina, stepdaughter, Joy Lynn, and husband, Peter, of LaPorte, Pa.; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in South Carolina and Pennsylvania; and cousins from Pennsylvania, Maine, New Jersey, Maryland and Vermont.
Memorial services will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Home on Saturday, Dec. 22.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT; or a charity of choice.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Ruth's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Ruth's guest book.