Ruth Louise Piper, 79

Ruth was born to Abe and Thelma Stemmene in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Feb. 11, 1932. She attended school there and graduated in 1950.

In September of 1950 she married Howard Piper and they made their home in Columbia Falls.

Ruth was a stay-at-home mom most of her life, but later in life enjoyed working for Glacier Bank as a receptionist, where her exceptional people skills kept her busy and the clients happy, as she rarely forgot a name, birthday, or any other occasion that was important to the many people she encountered during her tenure there.

She was the consummate hostess wherever she went and always made sure people were recognized and comfortable if at all possible.

She had unfailing faith in her Lord and through 17 years of total paralysis of her left side, never doubted that someday she would “get well” and return home to take care of her all-important family. Never once in all those years did she say, “Why me?” or “Poor me.” She was truly an inspiration in suffering her challenges without complaint. She entered into a well earned rest on May 4, 2011, and her family rejoices that her suffering is finally at an end.

Ruth is survived by her children, Patricia Piper Ramseth and husband, Peter, Pamela Piper Smith and husband, David, and John Piper and wife, Tina; a brother, Bernard Stemmene, of Boise, Idaho; her grandchildren, Jennifer Wulf, Rich and Teri Smith, Ryan Smith, Katelynn Piper, and Michael and Shelby Piper; one great-grandson, Colt Michael Piper; and Howard Piper.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Ruth's name to Immanuel Lutheran Home.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell.

Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary.