Ruth J. Ware

Our beloved and beautiful mother, Ruth Julia Lebsock Ware, returned to her Heavenly home on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. She was born on July 21, 1931, in Brush, Colorado. Her parents instilled in her strong, virtuous values and a great love of family. She was the youngest of eight siblings, with four brothers and three sisters. As a young girl, she milked cows and hoed beets before going to school and was driving a tractor before her feet could touch the pedals. She loved school and learning, and graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1949. Shortly thereafter, she met Karl J. Ware and they were married on June 3, 1951, in Brush. In January 1952, she lost her mother in a tragic car accident. As a young bride expecting her first child, this was very hard on her. A few weeks later, her first son was born. By March 1956, she had added another son and two daughters to her family. She loved her children and they adored her. The family moved to Worland, Wyoming, where Ruth was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved the Gospel and her Savior with all her heart, and remained a faithful member of the Church throughout her life. In October 1959, the family moved to Billings.

Ruth had many talents and worked hard all her life. She loved music and had a beautiful soprano voice. While in high school, she sang on the local radio station. After moving to Billings, she sang with the Sweet Adelines for many years, with the highlight of performing at the Seattle World's Fair. She especially loved her church choirs and was honored to sing in the choir for the Billings Montana Temple dedication. She was a wonderful cook and loved having friends over for dinner. She had a great sense of humor and great wit. She was an amazing mother and loved children. Her yard became the neighborhood playground, baseball and football field. Her living room was the gathering spot for many kids - it was more fun to go to Mrs. Ware's house than to the movies, and her treats were much better. She was a Den Mother, Girl Scout leader, community volunteer and camp leader. She held many Church positions involving the youth, and all the kids called her "Mom." She loved her children dearly, taught them well and, no matter how busy, she never missed any of their concerts, plays, sporting events or activities. She was very creative and put together amazing programs. To her, doing 100% on something was just a starting point, and doing more was better. To her, family vacations were just that - a time to visit family; through these, many family bonds were strengthened. A niece always said, "Aunt Ruth is so cool!"

Ruth worked for the City of Billings, starting her career at the Parmly Billings Library. She also worked on the Bookmobile. Neighborhood kids loved to meet her there, for they knew they would receive a big smile, cheery greeting and books carefully selected for them. She later worked for, and retired from, the Public Works Department. She loved life! She loved to read, garden, go fishing, and loved being outside with sunshine and flowers. She loved the theater, especially musical programs, and was in a local Book Club for over 30 years where she developed strong friendships. She loved Christmas and, for many years, had wonderful Christmas Eve gatherings for family and friends - for many, this was the highlight of the year. No one left her home without a smile on their face and a greater love of the true meaning of Christmas. She faithfully served in many Church positions throughout her life. She especially loved the Billings Montana Temple, where she served faithfully for many years. Ruth was a woman of great faith, wisdom, courage and keen insight. She was extremely compassionate and always willing to serve others. She loved the Lord and epitomized His words, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me." She was a great example to all and touched many with her special, radiant spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob J. Lebsock and Mollie Meininger; her husband, Karl J. Ware; her siblings, Edward Lebsock (Mollie), Clarence Lebsock (Mary), Albert Lebsock, LeRoy Lebsock (Virginia), Lucille Schlothauer (and Carl), Elmira Weimer (Karl), Irene Weimer (Gottfried); all but one of her brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nephews. She is survived by her four children, Wayne, Charmayne, Duane (Gayle) and Lorraine; three grandchildren, Kristen (Danny), Trevor (Mallory) and Ryan; eight great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Helen Lebsock; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2929 Belvedere Drive, with a viewing in the Relief Society Room at 10:30 a.m. and services at 11:30 a.m. All are invited and welcomed. Interment will be at the Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

We express heartfelt gratitude to all who provided care to our sweet mother, especially Dr. Malters and Dr. Ganz.