Ruth Cecelia Nordtome, 90, died Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork. She was born on Sept. 1, 1915, at Bigfork, the daughter of Kaurin B. and Johanna (Petterson) Johnson.

Ruth grew up on the family farm and attended schools in Bigfork and graduated from Bigfork High School. After high school she attended Kalispell Business College and worked as a bookkeeper at the Conrad Mansion.

She was married to Melford Nordtome on July 11, 1942. They made their home in Kalispell for many years.

Other employment included the Diana Shop and Wholesale Grocery in Kalispell.

She was a seamstress and homemaker. Ruth spent many hours crocheting intricate doilies and afghans, knitting sweaters, and embroidering various other items. She also enjoyed gardening and raising roses.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melford; a daughter, Marian Mitchell; two sisters, Olive Case and Sylvia Martinson, and three brothers, Carlyle Nordtome, Eivin Nordtome, and Harry Nordtome.

She is survived by her son, Robbin Nordtome, of Kalispell; and her daughter, Linda Desch, and husband, Richard, of Wolf Point; seven grandchildren, Tonya Nordtome, Tara Nordtome, Kim and Bob Sutton, Jennifer Desch, Andy and Jessica Desch, and Matt and Holly Desch, all of Kalispell, and Rob and Debbie Miller of Columbia Falls; eight great-grandchildren, Krystal Sutton, Madeline Sutton, R.C. Sutton, Mykala Desch, Sophie Desch, Elijah Desch, Joshua Desch and Ethan Desch, all of Kalispell; four sisters, Eunice Gilbertson and husband Sid, of Oceanside, Calif., Viola Johnson of Missoula, Judy Corneliuson of Tucson, Ariz., and Lillian Nelson of Bremerton, Wash.; two brothers, Harold Nordtome of Columbia Falls, and Henry Nordtome of Kalispell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends of Ruth Nordtome are invited on Sunday, April 23, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Bible Church gymnasium, 902 First Ave. East in Kalispell, to a light luncheon reception hosted by the immediate family in celebration of Ruth's life. At Ruth's request no formal services will be held.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Ruth's family.