Ruth Meade (Ruthie), age 89, passed away peacefully in her home on May 20th surrounded by family. She was born in Topeka, Kansas and spent her life devoted to family, friendship, and in service to those who needed her.

Ruth's greatest passion was her belief in God, and her family and friends. Her favorite bible verse was Psalms 46:10- Be still and know that I am God- this verse always gave her peace.  Her greatest joy was visits from her loved ones and making memories with them. She loved gardening, cooking, baking, and jelly making. She was a smart mechanic, did construction projects and fixed what needed fixed when it needed fixing. Ruth was an excellent Bowler, often holding a 240 average or above. She was on many bowling leagues over the years and loved the game. She was also a very loud and proud Broncos and Rockies fan.

Ruth lived close to the land. She was born and raised a Kansas farm girl and lived true to her upbringing. She gardened to bring food to her family's table and raised animals for the same reason. She was an icon when it came to horses, whether it was breaking them or teaching others the way around a horse. Her door was always open for a cup of coffee and sound advice. She had open arms and words of wisdom whether you came with troubles or just a visit.

Ruth was an entrepreneur before the word was even popular. She owned a service station in Coal Creek Canyon, and she had a firewood delivery business for 21 years - "split, stacked, and delivered!". At 40 years old she went back to school for accounting and got a job at the Federal Center, Bureau of Mines. Then after moving to the San Luis Valley was employed with the Saguache County Social Services Department. She then "retired" although she continued working with the elderly and those that needed her help.

Preceding her in death were her parents Carrol and Velma Gladys (Comfort) Crow, brothers Bud Crow and Bill Crow; sisters Mavis Johnson, Merle Reale, Barb Aldrich, and Sharon Crow and a grandson Lonnie Tyner III. She had one surviving sister Marcia (Mel) Stencel. Ruth is survived by her 7 children, Fran Purkey, Robert Huyler, Dave Huyler, Bart Bashaw, Travis Bashaw, Shawna Bashaw, and Crystal  Ewing, 18 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and many cherished family members and friends.

A celebration of Ruth's life will be held June 20th 2026, 1:00p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1120 State Street, Fort Morgan, Colorado. We will gather to eat and share memories at the church after her celebration.

To honor Ruth please plant something, make something, cook something delicious and invite family and friends over to share, hug someone, hold a baby, talk to your dog, take a horseback ride or a walk in nature, be kind, work hard, do your best and think of this beautiful lady and what a blessing she was to us.