Mary Ruth Unger July 15, 1932 - October 14, 2022

Mary “Ruth” Unger

Mary “Ruth” Unger, long-time resident of Georgetown Lake (GTL), Anaconda, Montana, passed into eternity on October 14, 2022, to the heaven she longed for and the loved ones who awaited her.

Ruth was born July 15, 1932, in Miles City, Montana into a homesteading family then spent most of her childhood on the family farm on the Shields River outside of Livingston, Montana. After graduating from Livingston High, Ruth worked in Butte where she joined St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, met Walt Unger, and married him in 1954.

Ruth and Walt began their family life in Butte with the birth of their first 3 children, Paul, Kurt, and Nancy. Walt’s work took the family on adventures to New Mexico and Utah before returning to Montana with the addition of 2 girls, Linda, and Lois (Lu).

Life offered more adventures for Ruth and her family in Arizona and Colorado before retiring to Georgetown Lake to the home Ruth and Walt began building when the children were still at home. This was truly home and their own slice of paradise. They welcomed all with open arms and loved sharing the beauty and recreation that their idyllic setting afforded. Many sat down at their table to a stunning view, home-cooked meal, fresh baked bread, a scrumptious dessert, and entertaining conversation. After Walt’s passing, Ruth continued this well-loved tradition.

Ruth blessed her daughter, Linda, and family in Idaho, by spending most of the last 5 years of her life in Linda and Mike’s home. Ruth created cherished memories with her great grandchildren. She returned home to GTL during the warmer summer months and with the help of Paul, Nancy, Lu and Kurt, reveled in the time to be truly at home.

Ruth is best defined by what she did and what she gave to all who crossed her path. She sewed, quilted, knit, painted, baked, cooked, canned, hunted, helped build a house, mushroomed, picked wild berries, hiked, fished, gardened, raised orchids, did floral design, traveled, sang hymns, planted trees…the list is endless. She always had the same New Year’s Resolution – “Do something new!” Ruth was an adventurous, creative, generous, unique spirit and a woman of faith. She was a maverick!

Ruth is survived and greatly missed by her children Paul (Patty), Kurt (Lynn), Nancy, Linda (Mike), & Lu; 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; and her siblings Dan, Jean, Carol, and John. She is preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Walt, her parents Gregor and Mary Schindler, and her siblings Gladys and Donny.

A memorial service & celebration of Ruth’s life will be held for family and friends on her birthday, July 15, 2023, at 11 AM at St Timothy’s Chapel, Southern Cross, Georgetown Lake.

Special thanks to Bonnie Reed, MD, St. Luke’s Heart Failure Clinic, and all the St Luke’s Hospice care team involved in Ruth’s care during her final days.

Donations in honor of Ruth’s memory may be made to St Luke’s Every Day Angels (St Luke’s Heart Failure Clinic, Asia Christensen, RN, Alexis Staeb, MSW) St. Luke’s Everyday Angels(stlukesonline.org); GTL Volunteer Fire Department, ATTN: Fred Bjorklund, Fire Chief, 100 Fire Lane LN Anaconda, MT 59711 or Living Savior Lutheran Church, 4616 Gharrett Street Missoula, MT 59803.

We can still envision her living at the lake, getting up in the morning, putting on her boots, fully vested in the day. We all have fond memories and hope you will share those here. Remember those cinnamon rolls?? Mouthwatering!

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.