Sherry Ann Goodman Ruttenbur 1942 ~ 2016

SEELEY LAKE - Sherry Ann Goodman Ruttenbur, 73, loving wife, mother and dear friend, died of complications from strokes in Missoula, Mont. April 11.

She was born in Missoula June 10, 1942 to Jack W. Goodman and Lee Goodman. Her mother died when Sherry was nine-years-old. Her father married Fern Downing in 1952 and her father continued his work in road construction in Montana. Through their frequent moves, Sherry attended grade schools throughout the state.

When she was a sophomore in high school, the family settled in Deer Lodge, Mont. where she attended and graduated from Powell County High School in 1960. It was there she met the man of her dreams and married Neil Gordon Ruttenbur June 30, 1961. Neil's career was as a dairyman for 36 years for Meadowgold Dairy in Missoula.

Their marriage produced Loran Albert (deceased in 2002 leaving two children, Joshua and Bethany), Lee Allen (employed in the grocery business in Missoula) and daughter Kristie Lynn who serves full-time in the Montana National Guard.

Sherry and Neil retired full time to Seeley Lake in 1997 after building their distinctive "Arch" home, workshop and garage beginning in 1992. Sherry is warmly remembered by her many friends for taming deer who came to their house frequently for snacks of bread and other goodies. She taught one friend how to feed a deer a slice of bread out of her mouth.

Sherry worked from 1998-2002 at Seeley Lake's Valley Market. She was an active member of the Quilter's Guild and a volunteer for several years at the Seeley Lake Senior Center. She was a loyal supporter of the community efforts of the Seeley Lake Lions Club.

A talented and creative cook and baker, her hobbies also included cross-stitching. Sherry was an avid Seattle Mariners fan who attended several games in Seattle as well as the team's spring training in Arizona.

She leaves behind her best friend and husband, Neil, two great grand-daughters in Loran's family, various cousins throughout the U.S. and her miniature Schnauzer "Button."

Her final wish included no services. Contributions memorializing Sherry may be sent to the Seeley Lake Senior Center, PO Box 55, Seeley Lake, MT 59868.