Ruth E. Bergstrom

On the evening of February 2, 2022, Ruth Bergstrom went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born July 31, 1925, to Robert and Beatrice Wright in Kalispell, Montana, where she grew up. She was surrounded by numerous family members whose lives of faith profoundly impacted her spiritual growth and commitment. While attending Flathead High School, she attended a youth group gathering at the Methodist Church in Somers. It was there she met Rudy Bergstrom. When she got home, she told her mother, “I met the man I’m going to marry.”

On February 7, 1944, Rudy and Ruth married in Tucson, Arizona, where he was stationed in the Army as a flight instructor. Toward the end of the war, they returned to Kalispell to establish their home and family. They raised five children near Flathead Lake where they enjoyed water skiing, ice skating, and s’mores around the campfire. Ruth was a dedicated mother who found many ways to entertain her children, including puppetry—the beginning a lifelong hobby and means of ministry. Along with several others, Ruth was a founding member of Central Bible Church, where she served for many years as a Sunday School teacher and Bible Study leader. In February 1965, the Bergstroms moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Ruth raised her family while pursuing a professional career in real estate. She loved showing and selling houses to families throughout the Valley of the Sun until she was 83 years old. She enjoyed puppetry and was involved in the Puppetry Guild. She also wrote and produced puppet shows—including simple ones at shopping malls and birthday parties, and grand ones such as “David” at Bethany Bible Church. Even while living in Phoenix, she returned to the Flathead Valley every summer to visit family and friends.

In 1980, Ruth and Rudy became full-time RV’ers, traveling across the United States for seven years. They visited their children's homes, enjoyed many tourist destinations, and appreciated scenic highways and parks. In 1987 they moved into a new Sun Village condo in Surprise, Arizona, where they lived until relocating to Kalispell in August 2012. Ruth loved their brand new apartment above Sykes for ten years. She moved to Buffalo Hill Retirement Community in 2019, where she resided until her death.

Ruth loved the Lord and had a heart for His people. She spent hours researching, understanding, and praying for Israel. She was quick to share the good news of the Gospel with anyone she met, including those who served her in restaurants and shops. She loved her family deeply and carried them in her heart and prayers wherever she was. And, she loved puppetry, music, and fun. She has been described as “spunky” and “classy " more than once.

Ruth was preceded in death by many loved ones, including her husband, Rudy Bergstrom, mother, Bea Folden, and brother, Jim Wright. She leaves a legacy of faith and love to those who survive her, including her five children, Trudy Waggener (Ted d.2021), Terry McNichols (Ken), Richard Bergstrom (Leona), David Bergstrom (Allison), and James Bergstrom; 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth’s life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at 2 PM at Central Bible Church 902 1st Ave. E., Kalispell, Montana. A private graveside service will be held at Conrad Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared via email to wecare@jgfuneralhome.com. In honor of the family’s wishes, memorial donations can be made to Central Bible Church.

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