Ruth French Large, 89

Ruth French Large, 89, a former Kalispell resident, died Saturday, July 5, 2008, leaving two daughters, Jo Tower of University Place, Wash., and Jeane McCoart of Chattanooga, Tenn. She died in her home, just as she'd wished, with loved ones near. Her wish was made possible by the devoted care given to her and the family by Hospice of Chattanooga, and for that support, the family always will be grateful.

Ruth was born to James and Cassie French on Dec. 10, 1918, in Knoxville, Tenn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank 'Jake' Large; two brothers; and three sisters.

In 1936, she married, and most of the 49 years of their marriage were spent in Knoxville, in Mount Olive, in a home known to most as 'the hill.' The back door was always open, and there was always enough food for anybody that came by at 5:30 p.m., supper time at Ruth and Jake's. Ruth was an excellent homemaker, with a theory that any place you live should be left better than you found it. She did that in capital letters!

In 1987, Ruth moved to Kalispell to live near Jo, and there created a home she deemed 'the little large house.' It sheltered many friends and family members. She joined the First Presbyterian Church, and it was there that a church family embraced her. The minister, Glenn Burfeind, enriched her spiritual life, and she was happy. The friends she had in Kalispell were dear to her, and they have remained faithful. 'May God bless you all.'

In 2004, Ruth moved to Washington with Jo; however, in 2005, she decided to return to her Tennessee roots, where she lived next door to Jeane. It turned out to be a perfect place for her, and she lived there until her death.

The grandchildren whom she treasured are Thomas Tower of Seattle, Bonni Tower Stratton of University Place, Wash., Robin Cayce and husband, Richard, of Chattanooga, and Emily Thomas and husband, Wade, of Macon, Ga. The great-grandchildren are Sara Stratton, Della Wheeler, and Jake and Logan Thomas; and one great-great-grandchild, Oliver Stratton.

A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 11, at the east chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road, in East Ridge, Tenn., and afterward — honoring Ruth's desire to always have everyone 'well fed' —we'll share a meal.

If you wish to remember Ruth with a gift, her thought was of her church, First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901. 'She left part of her heart there.'

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