Ruth Sutton, 91

Graveside services for Ruth Sutton, 91, were held Dec. 15 at the Sutton Cemetery. Burial was in the Sutton Cemetery in Bonesteel.

Ruth Darlene Geyer Sutton was born on July 10, 1929 in Bonesteel, SD to Harry C. Geyer and Mary (Flisram) Geyer. She passed away on Dec. 11, 2020 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD at the age of 91 from complications of Covid-19.

 She was the youngest of 5 children and grew up on a farm southeast of Bonesteel. She began attending the rural school at age 5 and later the family moved in to Bonesteel where she attended and graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1946.

 Ruth taught at a rural school north of Gregory for one year. In 1947 she married Billie Sutton at Delmont, SD. They lived on the Sutton Ranch north of Bonesteel, where she made her home for 70 years. There they raised their 3 daughters, Sally, Susan, and Sara, and son, William John (Bill). Ruth spent the last four years of her life at Silver Threads Assisted Living in Gregory, SD.

 It was a busy life on the ranch all those years but one that she truly loved. She was welcoming to all family and friends. She really enjoyed the holidays, birthdays, and special times with all the kids, grandkids, and great grand kids. A very important part of her life was cooking for large groups and she became known for making her family’s favorite dishes. She would always be the last to make her plate even though she had been cooking all day.

 She was very proud of her family and their accomplishments. She was always present at the many school, church, sports, 4-H, and rodeo events of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ruth was first baptized as a baby in the Norwegian Lutheran Faith. Then became a member of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Bonesteel until it closed. Up until her passing, she was an active member of the Lucas Baptist Church being baptized in the Missouri River at age 80. She especially enjoyed the music in the Lucas Church and was privileged to sometimes share her music as a soloist or with her family in a group. As a young girl and later on in life she sang for many funerals and events.

 Ruth had a very special relationship with God, believed in his son Jesus Christ, and believed he was always with her, especially in the difficult times in her life. After losing her husband at a young age in a tragic accident in 1982 on the ranch, and after grandson Billie’s accident in 2007, her faith got her through those dark days.

 Ruth enjoyed traveling and was able to visit all 50 states and 7 countries. She appreciated each trip with special friends or family and never missed a family reunion until 2009.

 Ruth was a very active community member and had a long history of public service..  She was involved in many different organizations throughout her lifetime. They included the Rosebud Rancherettes, South Dakota Cattlewomen, 4-H, Rodeo, Herrick Legion Auxiliary, Bonesteel Alumni Association, and South Dakota Hall of Fame.  Her involvement in politics started when her husband Billie served in the South Dakota State Legislature. It also included a campaign for state auditor, and involvement with the Gregory County Democrats. She was proud to see her continued passion for politics be carried on by her grandson’s campaign for governor in 2018. She was known for her outspoken opinion and knowledge of current political events.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Sally (Dick) Brown of Spirit Lake, IA. Their children and grandchildren Chris (Debbie) Brown, Jennie and Tim; Steve Brown; and Mark (Lindsay) Brown, Laina, Sutton, and Bodie; and grandson Hunter Brown.

Daughter Susan Sutton of Burke, SD. Her children and grandchildren Dana Gooby and sons Tim and James Haskell; Billie Rae (Erik) Person, Kray, Lacey, and Hallie; and Jessi McDonald.

Daughter Sara (Rich) Grim of Bonesteel, SD. Their children and grandchildren Kim (Matt) Petersen Christina and Paul; Mollie (Seth) Andrews, Sadie and Beck; and Callie (Kevin) Vinton, Avery, Meyer, and Nicklin.

 Son William John (Renéé) Sutton of Burke, SD. Their children and grandchildren Dee (Tyler) Haugen, Landry, Arina, and Blaisely; Billie (Kelsea) Sutton, Liam; and Réhme (Tayler) Thompson, Maris and Maysa.

She is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

 Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Billie, twin brothers Harry Jr. and Harold, sisters, June and Marie; grandson Eric Brown, and great granddaughter Lenny Sutton.

She was very thankful for all the many blessing in her life which included her family, friends, and good health for 91 years. She will forever be missed by her family. Ruth gave her family the blessing of writing down much of her story in her own words. In her writing, her humility and perspective shine through. She lived a purposeful–and by all measures successful–life, but ultimately cherished simple things. In a way that will strike everyone as so Ruth-like, she directed: “Make my obituary as simple as possible. I was born, I lived 91 years and died; end of story.” While it was an amazing story, the many family and friends she leaves behind know this is not the end.