Ruth Nadine (Daylong) Townsend passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Born at home on March 2, 1927 to A. Louise (Moots) and Lilbur C. Daylong in Billings, Montana. Growing up in Billings, she attended elementary schools and graduated from Billings Senior High in 1945. Upon graduation, Ruth entered the Sisters of Charity School of Nursing at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. This class was the final Cadet Corps nursing class.
After graduation from nursing school, Ruth and a classmate came to Sheridan to work at the old Memorial Hospital. After moving to Sheridan, Ruth met and married James Townsend on May 7, 1949; they celebrated 66 years of marriage. They began their married life living in Sheridan, later moving to Hysham and Forsyth, Montana. In 1962 Ruth and Jim and family returned to Sheridan. Ruth again was employed at Memorial Hospital, working mostly working OB and in the nursery until retirement.
Upon retirement, Ruth took up quilting, making many beautiful quilts for family and friends. Her biggest endeavor was her genealogy research, which spanned many years and included at least 1 trip to the genealogy library in Salt Lake City, UT. She enjoyed meeting and corresponding with she and Jim’s relatives in her research. Ruth took many oil and water color painting classes. She enjoyed crocheting afghans and doilies and embroidered many fun dish towels. In earlier years, Ruth enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. She filled her shelves with home-canned goods each year. She sewed many dresses for her young daughters. Ruth enjoyed music and loved to sing, especially a lot of the “oldies” from the forties.
First and foremost, Ruth loved being a homemaker, loving and caring for her children and grandchildren. She loved gathering all her family for meals and visiting. She especially enjoyed hosting picnics.
Ruth had resided at Willow Creek the past 1 ½ years. The family wishes to thank Dana and staff for their wonderful care of our Mother.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband James, daughter Patricia, parents, step-father Edwin Loveland, step-brothers Floyd, Gordon and Paul Loveland, sister Elinor Daylong.
Surviving Ruth are daughter Carol (Les) Jimmerson of Battle Lake, MN, sons Michael (Joleen) and Mark (Kristy), 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, sister Doris Hill of Billings, Montana and 3 nephews, several cousins and 1 aunt.
Ruth was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter – Day Saints. Ruth loved her Lord and the work of the church. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the LDS Church, 2051 Colonial Dr., with Bishop David Bailey officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M. prior to the service. A luncheon to follow for close family and friends at the church. Interment after the luncheon will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Big Horn. In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested memorial gifts to Mount Hope Cemetery, c/o Judy Slack, P.O. Box 233, Big Horn, WY 82833, designated for continued maintenance. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.
