- Date Of Birth: January 29, 1929
- Date Of Death: February 26, 2018
- State: Idaho
Ruth C. Laird, 89, of Garden City, ID, passed away Monday, February 26, 2018 at her daughters home in Eagle, ID.
Ruth was born January 29, 1929 in Milltown, MT, to parents Lawrence “Merle” & Margaret Viola Casper. Ruth was the 2nd oldest of their 4 children that included her older brother Dick, and younger sisters Betty and Gloria.
Tragedy would strike the young family when Margaret passed away in an accident. Merle did his best to keep the family together; but it was difficult for a young single man with 4 small children. Ruth always said they were fortunate that her dad’s family was able to step-in and help. Fortunately for Merle, and his young children, he would meet Myra Corbin and they would soon marry. Myra already had 2 children of her own; Steve and Tom. Together Merle and Myra would add 8 more children to their family including Fae, Ernie, Bobby, Shirley, Linda, Lawrence, Lyda & Norma Jean.
As a young girl and teenager, Ruth described herself as a bit of a Tom-boy. She loved being outside and wasn’t afraid of working hard. She would work in the garden, milk cows, ride horses and could dress an animal with the best of them. As she approached her twenties, Ruth would meet and marry James B. “Wally” Wallace in October 1948. Ruth was immediately smitten by Wally, who was 18 years her senior. Together Ruth and Wally would have 2 children; Howard & Maria. While married, Ruth continued to spend time doing what she loved including working outside and canning fruits & vegetables from their garden. After 30 years of marriage, Ruth and Wally would divorce; but they remained friends.
Ruth was also very active socially.
As she got older, Ruth cherished every chance to spend time with her family.
Ruth was a loving, kind, and caring person who always had a smile on her face. Because of this, Ruth was blessed with many friends – which was evidenced by the tremendous showing of support at her recent birthday & living celebration of her life.
Ruth is predeceased by her parents Lawrence & Margaret, step-mother Myra, brothers Dick, Ernie, Bobby, Steve & Tom; sister Linda; and her children’s father, James Wallace.
Survivors include her 2 children, Howard Wallace (Maureen) and Maria Van Der Aa (Aaron); 6 grandkids, Jeff, Jennifer, Jocelyn, Jamie, Drew & Trevor; 13 great grandkids; and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by siblings: Betty, Gloria, Fae, Shirley, Lawrence, Lyda & Norma Jean; and many nieces, nephews & cousins.
Ruth… You are our Sunshine.
