Ruth Beryl Jackson

Ruth Beryl Watson was born on July 18, 1919 in Broadview, MT to Winifred and Walter Watson. Ruth passed away peacefully in her home on February 6, 2015. She met her husband Willis while attending Billings High School. They eloped to Columbus to get married on September 10, 1936. Ruth and Willis celebrated 55 years together before Willis passed away in 1991. Together they raised three children Diane, Willis Jr. and Julie. Over the years they built many homes throughout Billings in which they would live until finished and go on to build the next. At one point the count was 30+ homes. Ruth kept a spotless home and always tried to make them warm and cozy. Money was always scarce in those early years but she made the best with what she had. Ruth and Willis loved to go dancing with friends and have everyone over for an early morning breakfast. When Ruth had the opportunity she grew a massive garden of good things to eat and beautiful flowers to admire. Family gatherings were festive with massive amounts of home cooked goodies.

Throughout the years Ruth held many jobs but in the 60's she went to work for her daughter and son-in-law John and Diane Reiss, at Star Office Machines. This is where she found her home away from home and where she worked along side John and Diane and grandchildren Lietta, Greg and Renee for forty years. She loved her sales job and visiting with customers who were also friends. She was a sharp dresser and loved to show off her ever-growing collection of jewelry. Ruth had a wicked sense of humor which was with her to the end. She adored her family and loved to always be "in the know" as to everyone's lives and activities. She ALWAYS had time when there was a need, a broken heart or laughter to be shared. Her health began to fail after she suffered a broken hip last year but she never gave up hope that things would improve. She was fortunate to live with her son Willis who was her caretaker for many years.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Diane and all of her three brothers and four sisters, as well as many other relatives and close friends. She is survivied by her son Willis Jackson Jr. and daughter Julie Ebadirad (Abdollah) of Yuma, AZ. Also surviving are seven grandchildren Lietta Bourne (Bob), Greg Reiss (Cindy), Renee LeSueur (Larry), Jon Butcher, Alexander Ebadirad (Staci), Jon David Ebadirad and Elizabeth Ebadirad; three great grandchildren Brennan Bourne, Brian LeSueur and Lindsey Johnson (Eli). Sadly she will miss the birth of her first great great grandchild to Lindsey this year. Ruth had many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins who brought her much joy.

Words on a page can never suffice to cover the remarkable life of a beautiful 95 years lived. She will be part of our ever so fond memories and hearts forever.

Visitation will be 6-8pm Wednesday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral services will be 1pm Thursday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary with interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.