Robert E. "Bob" Ruthford

SUPERIORâ�,��**– Lt. Col. Robert E. "Bob" Ruthford, 88, died of natural causes Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Superior. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, friends and wife of 63 years, Doris Ruthford (Mencel).

Lt. Col. Ruthford was born March 28, 1925, to the late Scaffy and Arba Ruthford in Chicago, where as a young boy he was drawn to airplanes, always taking time to watch as they flew overhead. As he grew older, his passion for aviation led Lt. Col. Ruthford to enroll in the Army Air Corps Academy in Tampa, Fla., at the young age of 17. Upon completion of flight school in 1944, Lt. Col. Ruthford was held in high regard for his accomplishments, graduating in the top of his class and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Force. By the age of 19, he proudly served his country on his first assignment as crew commander and pilot of the B-17, and to follow in the Korean War piloted the P-51 Mustang. Lt. Col. Ruthford honored his duty in the Air Force for 29 years, serving in World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars.

Bob married Doris Mencel in 1950, and later they had seven children. Doris lovingly took care of their children and supported her husband as he carried out his service to his country, traveling to various Air Force bases around the country and world. Bob retired in 1971 and moved to Mineral County, where he and Doris continued to raise their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was a true hero, earning him the utmost gratitude and highest praise for his service to his country and community. His unbroken passion to flight was shared willingly with others, inspiring a new generation of pilots to follow his love for exploring the skies. His devotion to his community and passion for flight will be esteemed endlessly through countless programs, such as "Read to Fly," Mineral County Search and Rescue and the Mineral County Airport, which was dedicated in his honor in 2012 and named Lt. Col. Robert E. Ruthford Airfield.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father and sisters, Jesse and Minty. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris Ruthford; brothers, Corky Ruthford (Maxine), Dick Ruthford and Gordy Ruthford; sisters, Nancy Sodiman and Beverly Blanchette; sons, Tom Ruthford (Jeanice), Gary Ruthford, Joe Ruthford (Katie) and Paul Ruthford; daughters, Peggy Stevens (Charlie), Diana Campbell (David) and Minty Ruthford (Pete); 23 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.

His love for exploring the skies will never be forgotten. ... Niner Niner Three 8 Tango has been cleared for takeoff.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at St. Mary Queen of Heaven Church in Superior. A fly-in honor service will be held shortly after the services at Mineral County Airport. Regards and condolences to the family may be sent to P.O. Box 808, Superior, MT 59872.

Read Robert Ruthford's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.