Ruth Hawk

Ruth Hawk, 85, died Saturday, June 3, 2006, at Missoula Community Hospital.

Ruth was born Sept. 28, 1920, in Carter, Wis., to Gene and Mable Brooks. She was raised on her grandfather's homestead north of Wibaux and in 1926 moved to Ronan. Being the second oldest, she helped raise her nine brothers and sisters.

Ruth married Leonard Hawk on Dec. 3, 1937. They raised sons Larry and Denny.

Ruth and her family lived in Libby from 1951 to 1982. While living in Libby, Ruth was a homemaker, waitress and salesperson at J.C. Penney for 22 years. She and her son, Denny also managed the Riverside Cafe and Lounge.

Ruth returned to Ronan in 1982 to be closer to her family. She loved the auction, garage sales, bingo and time spent with friends at the Dixon Senior Citizen Center. Ruth could often be found at the local cafe having coffee and telling stories and jokes. Her quick humor and twinkling smile were treasured and loved by everyone that knew her.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers, Loyal, Jack and Bob Brooks; and a sister, Dorothy Griffey.

She is survived by her sons, Larry and wife, Barbara, of Spokane and Denny of Ronan; sisters Della Bauer and Patty Krahn, both of Ronan, and Glen Grotjohn-Kelley of Libby; brothers John and Joe Brooks, both of Ronan; grandchildren Melody, Cindy, Mary and Richard; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, at the Pablo Baptist Church. There will also be a graveside service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, at the City of Libby Cemetery.