Ruth Helen O'Connor
February 18, 1928 - April 17, 2016
Ruth O'Connor passed on into the arms of her Heavenly Father on April 17th, 2016, glad to finally be free of worldly cares and burdens. Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 13th at Caldwell Friends Church under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. A private inurnment was held at Greenleaf Cemetery, Greenleaf. Condolences may be shared at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com
Ruth was born on February 18, 1926 on the family ranch south of Baker, Montana, to Sten R. Wiman and Ida A. Wiman. She joined two older brothers and was later joined by a third brother. Ruth grew up on the ranch, working hard, as ranch life during the depression demanded, and it was something that gave her a lifelong work ethic and thrifty outlook. She went to one room schools until high school then moved into Baker.
Ruth married Harold A. O'Connor in Baker on November 23, 1946. They ranched with her father for a while then later moved to the Powder River area to help Harold's sister and her husband. At that time, their first child was born. They also ranched out of north central Wyoming where their second child was born, before moving to Star, Idaho in 1952. In 1955 they moved to Caldwell, Idaho, and their third child was born. They raised their family in Caldwell. Ruth worked for the newspaper for a few years and for Birdseye Frozen Foods. Later she was employed by Glen L. Evans, learning to tie flies. She didn't care much for fishing, but admired the art she learned and presented beautiful flies to the fisherman in her family.
Mom took special joy in her church family at Caldwell Friends Church, serving in various capacities, on the social committee, on the elders, and as a Sunday School teacher. Her deep faith earned her the title as Prayer Warrior within her family and among those close to her. She loved the Lord with all her heart. One of her lifelong prayers was realized as she saw family members come to know the Lord personally as their Lord and Savior.
Ruth especially enjoyed lifelong friendships with her older brother, Morlan and his dear wife, Sheila, whom Mom thought of as a sister, and with her younger brother, Kenneth and his dear wife, Pat. Mom valued these relationships deeply and kept up with the families as they grew and changed. She loved to hear about their families and to visit with them. Throughout her life, Mom enjoyed keeping up with nieces and nephews, and the families of her friends and the friends of her children. All were included in her extensive prayer list for God's guidance and protection.
Ruth had a talent for making great pies, for designing and making beautiful quilts and for crocheting. She especially enjoyed the friends of the quilting group at Caldwell Friends Church. Their beautiful quilts brought joy to many people. The friendships that grew as they worked together on the various quilts were especially dear to her heart. She loved the Caldwell Fine Art series at the College of Idaho and enjoyed the performances for many years. Ruth also enjoyed travelling, seeing various parts of the west and of Canada. She and her sister-in-law, Kathleen travelled together many times to see family in Montana. She also, enjoyed travelling with her dear friend, Lucille. Mom especially loved doing for people. She was happiest when she felt she had contributed to someone's day, or to someone's life, whether it was a visit, making some food, giving them one of her quilts, or taking a friend to an appointment.
Ruth and Harold were married for nearly 50 years when he passed away in September of 1996. She is survived by her son, Keith; two daughters, Kay and Carolyn; son-in-law, Jerry; and her beloved grandson, Seth, and his wife, Melody. Her dear friends, Lucille Davenport and Maxine Winters also survive her. She will be missed by her 'sister', Sheila and her children; and by her brother, Kenneth's families, as well.



Published in Idaho Statesman May 15, 2016