Ruth Marie (Welch) Plumlee, 81

Ruth Marie (Welch) Plumlee, 81, of Bonners Ferry passed away Jan. 4, 2007 at her home in Bonners Ferry. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, in the United Methodist Church. Pastor James Murphy will officiate with interment to follow in the Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call for a viewing at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 12 noon until 6 p.m.

Ruth was born on July 7, 1925, at her parents, Ralph and Sayde Welch's home. She weighed in at 3 pounds and 7 ounces and was kept warm in a box on the wood cook stove.

Ruth attended all eight grades at Pine Grove School, later known as the Northside School. During the cold winter months, she and her sisters were taken to school in a horse drawn sleigh, driven by their father. She graduated Bonners Ferry High School in 1943. Her senior year, she also worked part time in the KV Creamery office.

Ruth Married Ray Plumlee on Nov. 18, 1943 at Libby, Mont. To this union two girls were born Sandra Rae and Charlene Marie. After raising her family, Ruth continued her education, graduating as a Licensed Practical nurse in 1967. Ruth's employment included working as a PM Supervisor in the ECF wing of the Boundary Community Hospital, as well as working with Truesdale Insurance Agency. Ruth proudly worked as administrator of the Community Restorium for nine years until retiring in 1989.

Throughout her life she enjoyed being Matron of the Order of Eastern Star #31, as well as holding numerous offices in the order.

Ruth loved spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Later in life, enjoying her retirement with her companion Wayne Robinson, she learned to square dance, was active with the Senior Center, and attended her grandchildren's sporting events and activities.

Her sisters survive her: Betty Paulson, Libby, Mont; and Luella (Chuck) Green, Auburn, Calif. Her companion Wayne Robinson of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Her daughter Sandra Rae (Gene) Fulgham, Libby, Mont.; son-in-law Jim Smith II, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Grandchildren Michelle Fulgham (Ulf Ohnback); Ted (Evonne) Fulgham; Paula (Doug) Stiles; Jolene Zimmerman (Darrell Sanders) Alichia (Travis) Eby; Jessica Smith, James Smith III; Gabrielle Nye; Wendy (Tim) Bertling; Jennifer (Shawn) Balzer; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Denton Plumlee and her daughter Charlene Marie Smith.

Family and friends are invited to sign Ruth's online guest book www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be directed to the Boundary County Senior Center.