Ruth Ellen Davis, 75

Ruth Ellen Davis, 75, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at her residence in Kalispell. She was born on Sept. 2, 1934, in Elk River, Minn., the daughter of Andrew and Olive (Stimson) Davis. She was the youngest of six children. Although born in Minnesota, her maternal grandparents homesteaded in Pablo in 1917, and family members regularly visited Montana often as runaways. She graduated from Elk River High School in 1951, then graduated from the University of Montana in 1960 and from Arizona State University with a master s in social work in 1967. Ruth began work at the Flathead County Welfare Department in 1967, working as a social worker, supervisor and then director of the office for 20 years before retiring in 1993. She belonged to the Flathead Valley United Church of Christ, which is newly renamed Congregational United Church of Christ, an open and affirming church that welcomes everyone. She was also a member of the Northwest Montana Accordion Association. Ruth believes that she was given the gift of this great community and state. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Olive Davis, and an older sister Marion Kaye Davis. She is survived by brothers Orrin Bud Davis and wife Catherine of Lake Park, Minn., Gordon Davis and wife Nona of Princeton, Minn., Richard Davis and wife Ann of Monticello, Minn., and Andrew Davis and wife Marian of McGregor, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Ruth will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Urn burial will be at a later date. The family suggests any memorial contributions be sent to the Whitefish Music School, 432 Spokane Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, or the Flathead County Animal Shelter, 225 Cemetery Road, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ruth s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ruth s tribute wall.