Ruth Matteson of Columbia Falls died peacefully in her sleep Oct. 8, 2009, at Edgewood Vista, an Alzheimer s care facility in Evergreen. Ruth was surrounded by loved ones as she passed. Ruth was born on Sept. 29, 1925, in Gillette, Wyo., to Olin and Bernice Thomas. She married Robert Matteson on Jan. 24, 1948, In Spokane. They moved to Columbia Falls in 1955 where they raised their six children and she lived for the next 54 years. For years her gardens were admired by all and gardening was just one of her many hobbies. Other hobbies included knitting, sewing, and needlepoint. During her life in Columbia Falls, Ruth was a very active member of the United Methodist Church where she served all that needed her love and compassion. Ruth was preceded in her death by her husband, Robert. She is survived by her six children, Gene and Heidi of Kingman, Ariz., Gerry and Ginny of Fircrest, Wash., Jeff and Josie of Mount Martha, Victoria, Australia, Janice and Jim of Stansbury Park, Utah, Jay and Susie of Kalispell, and Jon and Meg of Seattle. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A visitation is scheduled for 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Columbia Mortuary. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls. Interment will follow immediately at Woodland Cemetery in Columbia Falls. Memorials may be made to Edgewood Vista, 141 Interstate Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to a charity of the donor s choice.