Ruth Maxine Bristow Christie, 87, of Townsend, MT passed away peacefully on May 21, 2013 after multiple hospital stays.
Ruth was born April 6, 1926 near Judith Gap as the first child of W.F. “Bill” and Effie Herron Bristow. She was later joined by brother Wally and sister Mary Lou. Her grandfather Joe Herron managed ranches for A.B. Cook and W.D. Rankin between 1927 and 1953. Her father Bill Bristow managed the Bedford and Sheep Creek cattle operations for Hervey Cook. She spent her childhood years on those historic ranches which are mostly under Canyon Ferry Lake today. She attended local schools and graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1944.
During high school, Ruth met the love of her life Douglas Christie. They dated in school and married on December 31, 1945. They were the third generation to make their home on the Christie cattle and sheep ranch on Confederate Creek near Townsend. They lived there for the next 60 years. In the later years, they lovingly refurbished the 1934 Chevy that Doug drove as a teenager and in which they had dated. It now sits in the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge.
For the first year of their marriage, Ruth taught at the Johnson School House on Confederate Creek where Doug had gone to school throughout his childhood years. The rest of her life she dedicated to being a homemaker and mother.
Doug and Ruth had four girls who they adored: Peggy, Jeannie, Betti and Sally. Doug and Ruth always made time to take their girls on special family vacations that included trips to the Pacific Ocean to celebrate each of their high school graduations. The girls worked alongside their father in the fields and caring for their cattle and sheep.
Ruth was very involved in the Townsend community where she invested her life. She was a founding member of the Alliance Bible Church, and lovingly ministered to her church family. With Grace Berberet, she led an interdenominational Bible study for women of Townsend for many years. Through the years, she had been active as a 4-H Leader, board member of the Canton Church Restoration Project, Farm Bureau, and an officer in the local Republican Party. She faithfully attended all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s school and community activities.
Ruth was passionate about art and loved to paint. She developed many lifetime friendships through art classes. Her favorite medium was water color and she left us a wonderful collection of her paintings to treasure.
During their life together, Doug and Ruth enjoyed many wonderful trips to see the world including several trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Germany. They also enjoyed traveling to different parts of the United States including many special winters exploring Arizona and Southern California in their RV.
Her family and friends will remember Ruth for her Christian character, high ethics, integrity and strong family leadership. Most of all, she will be remembered for her deep love for people. With her generous and caring spirit, she spent her life comforting and caring for others. She never forgot a birthday and was always ready to take a meal to someone in need.
She was a woman of deep faith and loved Jesus Christ with all her heart. With great anticipation, she looked forward to Glory.
Ruth was preceded in death by her cherished husband and friend, Doug in 2006. She was also predeceased by her parents Bill and Effie Bristow, brother Wally Bristow, sister Mary Lou Meyer and great-grandchild Emma Bauer.
She’ll be greatly missed by her daughters and their families. She enjoyed her 11 grandchildren and their spouses, plus 26 great grandchildren with two on the way.
Peggy & Joel Flynn Family: Jennifer and Todd Beatty of Townsend (Anna and Andrew), Brandon and Vanessa Flynn of Townsend (Nolan, Chloe, and Felix), Roger & Grace Flynn of Missoula (Jayden).
Jeannie and Bill Flechsenhar Family: Heather & James Bauer of East Helena (Emma), Angie and Shea Fitzgibbons of Exeter, NH (Mackenzie, Ian, and Kiernan); Christie and Austin Knudsen of Culbertson (Leah, Connor, and Reagan).
Betti & Rick Hill Family: Todd and Jeannette Hill of Maple Grove, MN (Kadrian, Parker and Peyton); Corey and Heidi Hill of Helena (Levi and Sami); Mike and Stephanie Hill of Maricopa, AZ (Brayden and Carter).
Sally & Brad Dundas Family: Toby and Tanya Dundas of Townsend (Taylor and Dillion); and Taffee & Sean Geisser of Townsend (Autumn, Christian, Isaiah, and Savannah).
She is also survived by special brother-in-law, Marvin Meyer, sister-in-law, Phyllis Jane Porter, and sister-in-law, Aileen Bristow plus many much-loved cousins, nephews and nieces.
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home assisted the family with funeral arrangements. Public viewing will be at the Townsend funeral home, 212 Broadway, on Thursday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM.
Funeral Services will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church in Townsend. Rev. Terry Eichelberger of the Alliance Bible Church of the Christian & Missionary Alliance will officiate. Burial will be at the Deep Creek Cemetery, Townsend, following the service. A luncheon will be held at the Townsend School Multi-purpose Room.
Ruth’s daughters are thankful for all the love and kindness they’ve received from so many during this difficult time. Ruth was very appreciative of that support as well during her many illnesses. The family especially thanks the caring staff of St. Peter’s Hospital who so faithfully, conscientiously and tenderly cared for Ruth throughout the last few months.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Alliance Bible Church Building Fund, Box 1337, Townsend 59644.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday May 24, 2013
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 25, 2013
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 25, 2013
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
Townsend, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Saturday May 25, 2013
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday May 25, 2013
Multipurpose room at grade school
Townsend, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday May 24, 2013
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 25, 2013
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 25, 2013
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
Townsend, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Saturday May 25, 2013
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday May 25, 2013
Multipurpose room at grade school
Townsend, Montana
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Leigh Ann Bradley (Hern) says
I was very blessed to spend quality time with Gramma Ruth. She always had a beautiful smile, perfect words of wisdom, and most of all scriptures to help for every occasion. Every moment we spent together I will always cherish, but my most favorite times were during our Missions Committee Meetings. Ruth’s faith was always evident, and when talking about giving of herself she shined as an “angel on earth”. Ruth is my angel, and I know she is still watching over me, and helping me in my Christian Walk. I love you Ruthie!!!!
Ken Dunham & Janelle Fallan says
Betti and Rick –
We’re very sorry to read of your mother’s passing. She had a long and interesting life and so typical of the great Montana ranching and farming people. I remember her well from Republican events years ago now. Our prayers are with you all. (Ken Dunham)
Pete Barker says
I went to school with Ruth & Doug. I wish to extend my sympathy to the family & was honored to have known them.
Sherry Scoffield says
So sorry to learn just today of Ruth’s passing. She was a loving, kind lady and will be greatly missed!
Nancy Vick Egeland says
Jeannie, Bill, and family,
I have such fond memories of your mom. She always made me feel welcome in your home. My prayers are with you at this time.
Suzie Ames says
Peggy, Jeannie, Betti, Sally, and Families–
I know I don’t have to tell you what a blessing your mother has been – to each of you, Doug, her grandkids, great grandkids, all other family members, her many, many friends, church, community, the art community, and even Republican politics – just to name a few! I can’t begin to express the great admiration and affection I, and I know my entire family, has always felt for her. She has been one of those very special and unique people who always sparkled and made everyone around her feel good just being in her presence. She will be greatly missed and loved always.
Lots of love to each one of you,
Suzie Foster Ames
Ben & Michelle Meyer says
Flechsenhars and all of Ruth’s family.
So sorry for your loss. Ruth was a wonderful woman with so many positive memories that will live on. May God bless you as you remember and honor Ruth.
Vivienne Herron says
Peggy, Jeannie, Betti, Sally, and families,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ruthie was such a wonderful lady…such a testament to what it means to be a committed Christian, mother, friend. Though our visits were often separated by long periods of time, it was always so easy to pick up where we left off, and I truly always enjoyed our times together – especially the family gatherings at Canyon Ferry. She had a great influence in my life. I know we will all miss her terribly, but the loving memories will remain forever. My love and prayers are with each of you. God bless, Vivienne
Bart & Trish Toney says
It is with deep sorrow to hear of the passing of Ruth! Such was such a wonderful lady living life to the fullest! Always a loving smile to everyone! Ruth will missed!
Love & Prayers to all her family!
God Bless
Bart & Trish
Teresa Graham says
To the family of Ruth Christie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very special person in my life and I will miss seeing her. She was always very kind to me and I loved her kind and gently spirit. I have all of you in my prayers, may your memories help you through your difficult times. Love and God Bless. Teresa Graham