Ruth M. Woolridge, 92, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Westwood Nursing and Rehab Center. Services will be held 11:00 am, Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Riverside United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the church. A private family graveside will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Ruthie was born on December 30, 1920, she was raised in Winside, Nebraska by her grandparents. She came to Sioux City, to the Riverside area, in 1935. She met and married Gordon Woolridge in 1943.
Ruthie was the epitome of motherhood, always encouraging, supportive, and could crack the whip when necessary. She loved her pets and treated them with love and kindness as the family members they were. Ruthie was a valued and trusted employee where ever she worked. She retired from Valley State Bank (Liberty Bank) in North Sioux City, SD at the age of 88, serving them for 44 years. She loved her community in Riverside and worked hard to improve it. The crown jewel was the building of Riverside High School. No job was too big or too small, she was definitely a grinder!
Ruthie was a great teacher, she taught by example. The best lessons that she passed on were “if you want a friend, be a friend” and “friends are the family you get to choose.”
Ruthie is survived by her sons John (Lynn) Woolridge and Rick Woolridge, grandsons Randy (Gena) Woolridge, Matt (Ange) Woolridge, granddaughter Tonya Knudsen, great grandchildren Alanna, Kayla, Jacob, and Cole Woolridge.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon in 1980, mother Ruth O’Harrow, step-father Milton O’Harrow, and her beloved grandparents Susan Mae and Harry Tidrick.
Honorary Pallbearers will be John, Rick, Randy, Matt, Jacob, and Cole Woolridge.
A special thank you to the employees of and patrons of Harvey’s Restaurant, Liberty Bank, and the Whistlestop Casino for all the good times and support during the trying times. Thanks, The Woolridge Family.