Ruth Arline Matson

BUTTE — Mrs. Ruth A. Matson passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, shortly after celebrating her 88th birthday.

A lifelong resident of Butte, Ruth was born to Ruth N. and James T. Holland, on Sept. 27, 1936. She was baptized at Gold Hill Lutheran Church, attended local schools, and graduated from Butte High School in 1954. Ruth began her professional career as a social worker with the Montana Department of Child and Family Services in 1956.

Ruth was temperamentally well-suited for her career in child protective services. She was uniquely reticent — enjoying conversation while revealing little and always ensuring that the focus remained on you. Ruth would celebrate your successes, mourn your losses, and support you as you found your way. Ruth was an empathetic listener who found joy in the lives of others.

Shortly after her daughter Sue was diagnosed with MS, Ruth began the second phase of her life as an advocate and caregiver. She retired from her job in 1988 and applied her talents in support of Sue — ensuring that her daughter was able to lead her best life.

Ruth was elegant, kind, thoughtful and beautiful, both inside and out. We will miss her every day.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Matson; her brother, James N. Holland; and by her daughter, Susan Sansouci. She was also predeceased by her ex-husband and eldest son’s father, Donald Sansouci. She is survived by her sons, Mark Sansouci (Jill) and Stephen Matson; grandchildren Emma and Nora Sansouci and James Matson; cousin Carol Butler of Seattle, Washington; and niece Ruth (Richard) Ballard of Greenville, South Carolina.

Friends are asked to join with her family at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Gold Hill Lutheran Church, Butte, when Pastor Sarah Schilcher will conduct funeral services. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the National MS Foundation.