Sherry ann Goodman Ruttenbur

Sherry Ann Goodman Ruttenbur, 73, loving wife, mother and dear friend, died of complications from strokes in Missoula, on Monday, April 11, 2016.

She was born in Missoula on June 10, 1942, the daughter of Jack W. Goodman and Lee Goodman. Her mother died when Sherry was 9 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, the family settled in Deer Lodge, where she attended and was graduated from Powell County High School in 1960. It was there where she met the man of her dreams and married Neil Gordon Ruttenbur on 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 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 deer a slice of bread out of her mouth.

Sherry worked from 1998 to 2002 at Seeley Lake's Valley Market. She was an active member of the Quilters 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 Lion's 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-granddaughters in Loran's family; her son Lee Allen; her daughter Kristie Lynn; 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, Seeley, MT 59868. Condolences for the family may be left at missoulafuneralhomes.com.


Read Sherry Ruttenbur's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.