Ruth Simon, 93

Alma Ruth Simon, 93, who passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, was born July 18, 1922, to Katherine and George Zeiler in Billings. Her early years were spent farming along the Yellowstone River with her large family, and she retained fond memories of those years, recounting a simple, rewarding life that kept food on the table and spirits up throughout the Depression.

She met the love of her life, Art Simon, in Billings, and began a courtship prior to America entering World War II. When Art was shipped to Marfa Air Force Base (Texas) for training prior to deployment to the European theatre of the war, Ruth traveled to Texas, where they were wed in the town of Alpine. Living conditions were “primitive,” at best, for the young married couple, but more fond memories were generated there. When Art was shipped out, Ruth returned to Billings in a Model A Ford, in the middle of winter, with another woman and their two babies, showing her true grit and ability to cope with whatever came up. Art was in Europe for the duration of the war, and though severely wounded while driving ambulance, he came home whole and ready to truly make a life with Ruth.

A few years later, that traveling baby (Steve) who made the winter journey with his mom, was joined by Rande, and the two boys made sure Ruth never lacked for challenges. She was a wonderful mother and raised her boys to be independent, strong and self-sufficient, just like herself.

As time passed, and the boys went off to their lives, Ruth remained supportive and a strong role model, keeping books for the family welding business, playing an active role in the “friendly circle” at the Pilgrim Congregational Church, and doing her best to make sure her grandsons never lacked for love and plenty of treats and toys.

When Art passed away in 1986, Ruth continued her independent ways, and traveled extensively throughout the United States and (finally) got to see her German homeland. There she discovered that her spoken German carried a distinctly Bavarian accent, which pleased her enormously. She lived alone in her house in “the old neighborhood” for 26 years until deciding that lawn care and housework should be left to others and moved into a senior apartment in Billings. She really loved the West Park Village lifestyle, and remained there until her health necessitated her move to a Kalispell nursing home in 2014.

Ruth is survived by son Rande and wife Dawn Duane of Kalispell, and daughter-in law Cecil Simon of Laurel; grandsons, Jeremy of Dickenson, North Dakota, and Kody and wife Mieke Simon of Cannon Falls, Minnesota; and one sister, Irene, of Billings.

A remembrance and celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 25, at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Billings, followed by a brief social gathering at the church.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.