Ruth Margaret (Ryan) Hill, 42,

passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, June 21, 2008. 'We have no doubt that she received her angel wings and was welcomed with outstretched arms by the Lord.'

She was a wonderful daughter and a loving sister, born to Vaughn and Peg Ryan on Sept. 19, 1965, in Evanston, Ill. Ruth graduated from Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota and continued her education at Northeastern Illinois University where she received her bachelor's degree in anthropology.

Ruth pursued her dream of becoming a teacher and graduated from Flathead Valley Community College in 2000. After earning her teaching degree and special education endorsement she taught at various schools in the Flathead Valley. Ruth's compassion, generosity and devotion to improving the lives of others was truly a gift!

Ruth moved to Whitefish in 1994 and met Rusty 'Big Red' who became the love of her life. She married him on Aug. 24, 1996, which began their next chapter in life. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. They were blessed with two amazing children, Parker and Maggie. Ruth's greatest joy was her family; they were the centerpieces of her life.

Her father, Vaughn, Uncle Ned and Grandma Theo, preceded Ruth in death.

She leaves behind her husband, Rusty, and children Parker and Maggie Hill, at their family home in Olney; mother, Peg Ryan, of Glenview, Ill.; brother, Tom and Cheryl, Dustin, Bethany and Samuel Ryan, of New Hope, Minn.; sister, Katherine and Christopher, and Kasey Vann of Niles, Ill.; brother-in-law, Sean Hill; sister-in-law, Sandy and Wes Owens of Whitefish; and special friend and nephew, Lance Hill, of Whitefish; plus many, many friends. Ruth found great richness in the company of her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed by all whose life she touched.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the United Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave., in Whitefish. A reception will follow in the church parish hall.

Private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls at a later time.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. Memorial contributions may be made to Ruth Hill, c/o Glacier Bank, 319 Second St. Whitefish, MT 59937.