Ruth S. Bond

MISSOULA ~ Ruth Bond, of Missoula (formerly of Brockway), passed into eternal life on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the age of 85. Ruth was born on August 8, 1937, in Miles City, Montana, to Erma and Paul Spears. She joined a brother, Gene, and sister, Patricia, and was later joined by a brother, Chuck, and a sister, Nancy. She was raised in the Meridith area, where she attended elementary school, and attended and graduated from Custer County High School. After graduation, Ruth attended Eastern Montana College for one year and Miles City Community College for a short time. In September 1957, she met the love of her life, Dale Bond, through some matchmaking by her special older sister, Pat, and her husband, Gary Helm. On June 1, 1958, Ruth and Dale were married in Miles City, Montana, and began their life together in Brockway. They were blessed with four children: Debbie in 1959; Dwight (deceased) in 1960; Dorrie in 1963; and Doug in 1967. In January 1964, they purchased the Brockway store, creating Bond’s Cash Market and D&D Appliance. Ruth worked many hours in the store and also worked as a postal worker in Brockway for several years. In 2004, Dale and Ruth moved to Missoula to enjoy retirement and be closer to family. Ruth loved raising her family in Brockway and being part of the community. Her yard and flowers were of great pride to her. She loved baking cookies, and the cookie jar was always filled and ready for company. Her grandchildren and great-grandson were the light in her life. She loved babysitting them as much as possible. She is survived by her three children: Debbie (Les) Wagner, Mukwonago, WI, Dorrie (Greg) Beach, and Doug (Twyla) Bond, Missoula, MT. Ruth was the proud grandma to Holly Wagner and Kalli (Ty) Jones; Megan (Andrew) McDonnell, Emily (Seth) Miller, and David Beach; Ally Bond and Logan Bond, and was great-grandma to Bridger Bond Gleinig. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as her brother, Chuck; brothers-in-law Gary Helm and Lee Logan, and sisters-in-law Lorraine (Sis) Koppenhoefer and Arlene Logan. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; her parents, Paul & Erma Spears; sisters Patricia Helm and Nancy Hanic; brother Gene; sisters-in-law LaVonne, Shirley and Marie; brother-in-law Gary and sister-in-law Edda; and brothers-in-law LaVaine Logan, Milt Koppenhoefer, and Al Hanic. Condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family on the Just Cremation Montana website www. justcremationmt. com. The family wishes to thank her doctors as well as her wonderful health care providers at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Riverside Health Care, and the Bee Hive. A celebration of Ruth’s life and graveside services will be held at a later date in Brockway.