Ruth Evelyn (Anderson) Conn, 84

Ruth Evelyn (Anderson) Conn, a lifetime resident of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 23, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84. Ruth was born Dec. 2, 1925, in Kalispell, to Carl and Melanie Anderson. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1944. During her high school years Ruth enjoyed all the Flathead Valley had to offer. She hiked through Glacier National Park and bicycled all the way around Flathead Lake with her dear friends. She was among the first women to serve with the U.S. Forest Service on summer fire watch on Nine Mile Lookout, as the start of World War II left a shortage of men to fill such posts. In 1948 she graduated from the University of Montana where she had been an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Upon graduation she traveled to China and Alaska. These monumental adventures were just the beginning of a lifelong love of travel. It was at the U of M that she met the love of her life, Robert Conn; they married in 1948. Together they enjoyed hiking, camping, skiing and swimming, activities they later shared with their three children. She was a partner in Anderson Theater Co. until the family sold it in 2000. She was an active community member, volunteering for the American Cancer Society, and was a member of AAUW, Cub Scout leader, Brownie leader and Sunday school teacher, among many other activities. Her faith was central to her life. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and later joined the congregation at Northridge Lutheran. When her children were grown she returned to teaching, first as a substitute and later as a full-time Spanish instructor at Flathead High School. Her most cherished role in life was that of wife, mother and grandmother. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Alison Matos, and her son-in-law, Vitor Matos, of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., and Andrea Baumgardner and her son-in-law, Kevin Baumgardner, of Kalispell; and her grandchildren, Matthew Baumgardner of Kalispell, Lauren Baumgardner of Kalispell, Melanie Luukkanen of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Erica Luukkanen of Yorktown Heights. She is also survived by her niece, Randy Mohn, of Lakeside, and nephew, Vance Conn, of Whitefish, and their children. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert; beloved son, Norman; sister, Alice Ryder; and niece, Rhonda Johnson. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Northridge Lutheran Church. The family suggests that donations be made in her name to either the American Cancer Society or Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ruth s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Ruth s guest book.