Ruth Ann Reed Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ruth Ann Reed, beloved wife, mother and friend of many passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Surprise, Arizona on May 27, 2022 with her loving husband Dean by her side. She was three months shy of her 86th birthday. Ruth lived a full and happy life. She enjoyed travel, golfing, playing bridge, Mahjong, sewing, cooking, crafts, reading and especially spending quality time with her many close friends, family, and grandchildren. Ruth was born in Anaconda, MT on August 28, 1936, to Art and Corella (Giggles) Gustafson. She was the second of four siblings and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1954. She attended Western Montana College in Dillon, MT. After receiving her teaching certificate, Ruth taught 4th grade in Deer Lodge, MT in 1956 and 1957. She later worked as a substitute teacher in the Helena School District. Ruth married Dan Larsen in 1957. They moved to Bozeman, MT where Dan was attending Montana State University working on his Civil Engineering degree. While in Bozeman, their first son, Tim, was born in 1960. After Dan graduated from MSU, he embarked on a training program for the Bureau of Public Roads (later called Federal Highway Administration), which took the family to numerous states over the next few years. Their second son, Todd, was born in 1963 in Anaconda. In 1965, Ruth and her family settled in Helena, MT after the training program ended and Dan took a permanent position as a Civil Engineer with the Bureau of Public Roads. In 1966, their daughter Suzanne was born in Helena. Ruth and Dan later divorced but remained friends. In 1977, Ruth married Dean Reed who was a Certified Public Accountant. She worked with him for many years as a bookkeeper and secretary. Dean and Ruth celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in April. Ruth and Dean remained in Helena until 1998 until they purchased a second home at Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona becoming snowbirds, spending the warm winters in Arizona and cooler summers in Montana. This also allowed them to play golf year-round, which they enjoyed very much. Ruth was blessed with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She made friends easily and loved meeting people from all walks of life. Those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her often were frequently rewarded by her well-known “Ruth-isms” – which were always hilarious, typically silly, and occasionally true. To know her was to love her – she truly made this world a better place. Ruth is survived by her husband Dean of Surprise, Arizona, son Tim Larsen (Kathy) of La Quinta, CA and son Todd Larsen (Karen) of Bermuda Dunes, CA. Ruth is also survived by her brother Dick Gustafson (Helen) of Whitefish, MT, sisters Carol Lang (Jerry) and Diane Lorengo (Roy) of Anaconda, MT, grandchildren Jeff Walker of Kuna, ID, Jared Larsen of La Quinta, CA, Cooper Larsen of Los Angeles, CA, Brady Morrison of Helena, MT, Jenna Hobdy (Andrew) of San Francisco, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Suzanne. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future. Please sign the guest book and share memories of Ruth.