Ruth Widdows

Ruth’s journey began in Seattle, Washington on June 29th,1926, before the dawn of the great depression and she grew up during the WWII era. Her family, like so many others, would limit use of resources and ration food and supplies to get through. She worked to help support her family and was reassigned to support the war effort. These were difficult times, but the challenging life circumstances served to make the good times more worthwhile. As a young woman, Ruth enjoyed dancing with the young soldiers at the Servicemen’s Club. Ruth graduated High School and went on to work as a Bookkeeper.

On May 23rd, 1954 Ruth married Robert E. Widdows in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and they were blessed with two wonderful children, Mark & Mary. In January 1964, they moved back to Fort Collins, where Bob was raised. Together they owned and operated Widdows Sew-Vac for many years. Ruth and Bob later parted ways.

Ruth loved her family dearly. She cherished family get-togethers. She was a gentle parent, always kind to her children and considerate of their needs. Her favorite holiday was Christmas because it was the time of year she could bring the whole family together. Ruth loved to cook for her grandkids, and she loved giving gifts. Her cookies were a holiday family favorite. She was also quiet at times liked to keep to herself, considerate also of her own needs. She enjoyed reading, solving puzzles, and playing cards. She liked to crochet, and collected thimbles and teacups. She really enjoyed playing bingo with family and friends, and she loved sports.

Ruth was a sports fanatic! She watched as many football, hockey, and baseball games as possible. She kept up on the games and collected stats. She played fantasy football and others would call her for game times and updates. To say Ruth liked the Denver Broncos would be an incredible understatement. She was a super fan. She began watching the Broncos from the very first game they ever played and did not, in her lifetime, miss a game. And she loved John Elway. One of her most prized possessions was a letter she had received from Elway himself.

Ruth’s was a life well-lived, full of love and happiness. She was a kind, caring, and gentle woman. Truly, Ruth was a treasure. She will be dearly missed.

Ruth is survived by her son, Mark Widdows and his wife, Vicky; her daughter, Mary Raymond; her grandchildren, Travis Schmidt, Tiffany Viney-Cook, Cody Viney, Jason Widdows, Shawn Widdows, Mark Widdows Jr., and Jeff Widdows; and ten great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Karen Pennamen, as well as her three brothers and two sisters.

Services for Ruth will be held on Friday, November 8th, 2024 at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens in Fort Collins. Her Memorial Service will take place at 10:30am followed by a Graveside Service at 11:30am. Please join Ruth's family, after the services, for a light reception and a time of fellowship and remembrance.

Treasured memories of Ruth and words of condolence for her family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.