Ruth Ann Yingst, 82

Ruth Ann Yingst, 82, passed away on April 23, 2026.

Her journey started in Chickasha, Oklahoma, where she was born. Her family moved to Tulare, California, to farm when she was a child. After graduating early from high school, she attended art school in Dayton, Ohio. She met her lifelong love Lonnie there and they married Nov. 21, 1962. They soon moved to the mountains of Montana, where they raised their family. 

Ruth loved to create beautiful things. Initially, she painted murals on walls and windows. Later, she sewed beautiful clothes and stuffed animals that she sold at the Magic Mushroom in Missoula. It was in Lewistown that she fulfilled her lifelong dream to have her own gift shop when she opened the Country Junction. She greeted everyone who came through the door with a cup of coffee and a smile. She later went on to open Country Cupboard Floral and Gift in Great Falls, where she created beautiful floral arrangements. She especially loved doing weddings! 

Ruth was happiest when going for drives in Glacier National Park with Lonnie. They especially loved the Many Glacier area and spent many happy days there. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her family — children, Karen, Kelly and Joe; grandchildren, Karla, Kelsie, Kourteney, Kristen, Zach and Lexie; sister, Lois and brother, David; great-grandchildren, Kelton, Karter, Karleigh, Kash and Zetti, as well as numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie, by two months; her parents, Ernest and Aline Falter and her brothers, Bill and Joe. 

We hope that she and Lonnie are enjoying the sunset together in the mountains that they loved. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.