Olivia Ruth King, born to Fredrick and Freda (Garling) Engelbert on July 11, 1923, in Beloit, Kans., passed away on Aug. 28, 2012, in Grand Junction, Colo., at her daughter Fran’s home.
Ruth was graduated from St. Margaret’s School of Nursing in Kansas City, Mo., in 1942 which began her career as a registered nurse. She worked 50 years serving Rio Blanco County. Through her nursing she exemplified all she stood for.
Ruth married our dad, J.D. King, on April 22, 1946. They moved to Rangely in 1947 where Ruth remained until 2007. She and dad had four children: Fran (Dan) Piland of Grand Junction, Darrell (Roberta) King of Grand Junction, Martin (deceased), and Laura (John) Martin of Rifle, Colo. She was blessed with 12 grandkids, 20 great-grandkids and six great-great-grandkids.
Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband J.D. King, her son Martin, her grandson Jesse, and her sister Kathryn L. Gooch.
Ruth’s love and dedication to nursing and taking care of the people in her community was an integral part of her life. The care she gave to those in need was endless. She also loved quilting, sewing, gardening, her rose beds and cooking for her family. Out of all the things she loved, her grandkids were her favorite. She delighted in each new baby that joined the family and spending time with each of them. She will be dearly missed by her family and the many people she touched throughout her life.
Her funeral was held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Rangely with burial following at the Rangely Cemetery on Aug. 31, 2012. The family wishes to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado for all of their amazing care. Without the entire staff, our family would have missed some of the cherished moments.
Donations can be made to St. Ignatius Church in Rangely, or Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 North 12th St., Grand Junction, Colo., 81506.