Ruth Esther Kiser, 90

Ruth Esther Kiser, 90, peacefully passed away on Jan. 18, 2011.

She was born in Cascade on July 24, 1920, to George Theodore Overose and Flossie Etta (Bower) Overose. There were five children, Don, Ruth and her twin brother Robert, Theodore “Ted,” and Marjorie “Marjie.” The family lived south of Great Falls, in the Sullivan Valley. Their two-story home was built by her father, George, and grandfather, Ole Overose.  It was constructed from timber cut and milled on their property. In 1926 the family moved to Great Falls so the children could begin school. Summers were spent reading books from the library, roller skating and playing hop scotch.

When Ruth was 10 years old, during the Great Depression, she was walking through the wheat fields one day when a piece of wheat stubble pierced her foot through the hole in her shoe. She was soon diagnosed with a bone disease (osteomylitis) which required five trips to the hospital and as many surgeries. The disease returned five years later, but this time Ruth didn’t tell anyone. The effects of ether and the thought of more surgery made going to the hospital seem unbearable. She recited the Lord’s Prayer over and over, praying for a miracle. Her faith was rewarded and the disease left. This strengthened her faith in God at an early age.

Ruth and Ervin met while they both worked at the Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls. They married on Aug. 8, 1942, and had been together only six weeks when Ervin was drafted into the Army and sent overseas for two and a half years to England and France during World War II. When he returned, he worked at the Anaconda Copper Smelter where he became a journeyman carpenter.

In 1952 they moved to Columbia Falls with their growing family of three children, Grant, Crystal and Ken. In 1953 Russ was born.

Ervin and Ruth decided to try the restaurant business with no experience at all in that area. Their willingness to work hard made the venture successful. Ervin did the carpentry work on the cafe which was located on Nucleus Avenue. The top floor was Moody’s clothing store and the cafe was in the basement. Every noon hour for 14 years, Ruth worked in the cafe, and also was “on call” when things got busy. Later they moved the cafe, pool table and juke box upstairs and named it Hobby Nobby, selling model cars and magazines as well. The basement was then used for teen dances, the Fireman’s Ball, and reunions. The menu broadened and the name was changed to Erv’s Lunch. The family agrees they were the best burgers and shakes in the Valley!

All the Kiser children were taught how to work at an early age, helping with chores at the shop and working side by side with their dad building houses. Ervin built and remodeled many homes in the Columbia Falls area. When Ervin built the Stop N’ Shop grocery on Railroad Street in 1967 they sold the cafe. Again Ruth helped in the store. 

Ruth was an excellent wife, homemaker and mother. Home was her favorite place to be. She showed her love for her family everyday by cooking excellent meals and desserts, and keeping a tidy home. She enjoyed being with her family most of all.

She appreciated the beauties of Northwest Montana, especially Glacier Park. Also, she enjoyed her flower garden, reading good books, camping and picnics with family, and going out to lunch with her sister, Marjie.

In 1989 Ervin was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and became a resident of the Montana Veterans Home. Every day for 10 years Ruth went to visit him. He passed away in 1999.

Ruth was also preceded in death by her brothers, Don, Ted and Robert. Ruth is survived by her children, Grant and Nancy Kiser, Crystal and Kelly Ferguson, Ken and Lorraine Kiser, and Russ Robin Kiser. She has 16 grandchildren and 25 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, M. Marjorie Mac Donald.

Ruth had a clever sense of humor. Her funny one-liners kept us laughing. Ruth was soft spoken and possessed great patience. We can honestly say she never raised her voice or spoke rudely to us. We were very blessed by her kind and gentle manner.

“Mom (Grandma), we love you and we’ll miss you. We’re happy for you and Dad — you’re together in a better place. We will see you again one day.”

The family sincerely wishes to thank the Montana Veterans Home for the great care they gave to their mother.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbia Falls.Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.