Ruth Hattie Willett (Probert)

Jan. 30, 1935 – Nov. 10, 2019

Ruth Hattie Willett (Probert) passed away peacefully in Kalispell, Montana on Nov. 10, 2019 at the age of 84.

Ruth was born on Jan. 30, 1935, in Kalispell to Raymond and Lillian Probert. She graduated High School in Columbia Falls in 1952, and married Jerry Willett in 1953. Over the next few years, the couple welcomed six children into their home. After moving to various places in Northwest Montana, they put roots down in Kalispell. In 1975, Jerry and Ruth got the bug to go north to Alaska. They packed up the kids that were left at home and moved to Fairbanks. Jerry began hauling product to the North Slope and Ruth worked part time in North Pole.

Ruth was accomplished at growing a garden and loved sharing her products. Her greatest love was being around family and friends, making sure they were well fed. After the passing of their son Wade, in 1984, the lure of Homer and charter fishing became overwhelming. They purchased a boat, named it “The Ivory Queen” and began charter fishing, moving to Homer in 1990. Jerry was known as “Captain Midnite” with his first mate “Damn it Ruth.” After the passing of Jerry, Ruth packed up and moved back to Kalispell.

Ruth is survived by her children, Geraldine (Dave) Moore of Spokane Washington, Arlene (Cary) Weyrauch of Kalispell Montana, Mary (Matt) Mattingly of Fairbanks Alaska, Rodney (Shauna) Willett of Alaska, and Robin (John) Weymiller-Panama; daughter-in-law, Robyn Willett; brothers, Junior, Ed, Don and Kenny; sister, Charlotte; 17 grandkids and 22 great-grandkids.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents, Raymond and Lillian Probert; brothers, Victor, Jim and Dwayne; sister, Dee; a son, Wade; and a grandson, Joey.

A memorial is planned in Kalispell next summer. The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Vista for their loving care of Ruth the last five years, and Frontier Hospice for their care and support during her final days.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.