Ruth Geraldine Thomson

Ruth Geraldine Thomson born August 2, 1918 to Earl and Vera (Fredine) Eastman in Platte, South Dakota, passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa on June 16, 2014. Ruth graduated from Platte High School and attended the University of South Dakota and University of Nebraska. She taught second grade in Armour, South Dakota prior to her marriage to Bruce Robert Thomson on November 2, 1941 In Platte, SD. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Ruth supported her husband Bruce as he was stationed in the Pacific theatre from 1942-1945. After the war, Bruce and Ruth made their home in Wessington Springs, South Dakota where Ruth was very active in Chapter D PEO, The Congregational Church, Eastern Star and PTA. She was instrumental in the formation of the elementary school music program and worked in many civic activities. Throughout her husband’s banking career they were transferred from South Dakota to Havre, Montana where they continued their civic involvement. From Havre they were transferred to Miles City and from there to Helena where Bruce retired. Ruth was active in every music event and organization throughout the cities in Montana where they lived as well as many PEO chapters. She was a 60 plus year member of PEO which she was deservedly very proud. Ruth had an opportunity to teach speech reading to many hearing impaired individuals and considered this one of her greatest accomplishments as they learned how to communicate with language. Ruth, being hearing impaired herself, knew the joy that this could bring.

Bruce and Ruth had three children of which she is survived by, Ann Johnson (Michael) of West Des Moines, Iowa, Stewart (Lynne Briggeman ) of Kremmling, Colorado, and Robert (Jan Hicks) of Olympia, Washington; her six grandchildren, Rick (Margie ) Wargo of Tigard, Oregon, Robb (Heather) Wargo of Spokane, Washington, Beth Wargo (Neal Siegel) of West Des Moines, Iowa, Patrick (Liza) Thomson of Wright, Wyoming, Timothy (Nellie) Thomson of Kremmling, Colorado, and Bryce (Hannah) Thomson of Olympia, Washington; six great-grandchildren, Luke and Megan Wargo of Tigard, Oregon, Charlee, Owen, and Will Thomson of Wright, Wyoming and Lyndee Jo Thomson of Kremmling, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews which were dearly held and will miss her passion for life. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and many dear friends who will welcome her into their midst.

There will be a memorial service to honor her memory in Helena, Montana on the 9th of August, 2014. Hamilton Funeral Home at 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA is in charge of the cremation arrangements and condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to Macular Degeneration Research, PEO scholarship fund or the Plymouth Congregational Church in Helena, Montana.

Matthew 15:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see and your ears for they hear…for I say unto you, many prophets desired to see the things which you see and saw them not.

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