Ruth Wilberg Brekke, 86
Ruth Wilberg Brekke, 86, died peacefully of natural causes Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born June 24, 1922, to Victor and Elsie (Phelps) Wilberg in Grand Forks, N.D.
She spent the Depression years on their homestead south of Redstone. These times were fond memories for Ruth, and she often spoke of the fun she had with her cousins and neighbors.
The family then moved to Dillon and then to Great Falls, where Ruth graduated from high school. It was in Great Falls where she met and married Ralph Brekke in 1941.
When Ralph was drafted into World War II, Ruth moved back to the farm and drove the tractor and helped farm. When the war was over, Ruth remembered dancing in the living room because Ralph got full-time work with Montana Power. They lived in Great Falls, Conrad, Chinook and then in Helena. Ruth still considers Chinook her hometown, as this is where they made so many close and longtime friends.
Ruth worked for J.C. Penney Co., Herda's Drug and the Blaine County Treasurer before moving to Helena, where she worked for the Department of Revenue until retirement. After retiring, they spent winters in Arizona and did a lot of wonderful trips both in the U.S. and abroad.
Ruth was a lifelong member of the Chinook Presbyterian Church.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Brekke; her parents, Victor and Elsie Wilberg; and her brothers, Vernon Wilberg and baby, Harris Wilberg.
She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Clothier and husband, Rex, of Thermopolis, Wyo., and Virginia Solberg and husband, Harold, of Malta; two sons, Robert Brekke and wife, Pam, of Olney, Md., and John Brekke and wife, Nancy, of Kalispell; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Private graveside services for Ruth Brekke will be at Fort Harrison in Helena at a later date.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Chinook Presbyterian Church, 437 Indiana Ave., Chinook, MT 59523; or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ruth's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Ruth's guest book.