Ruth E. Wade
“Without music life would be a mistake.” Nietzsche
Ruth E. Wade was born to Sidney and Winnifred Tucker in Sherwood
N.D., on Jan. 1, 1916. The family moved near Turner, Mont., to
homestead. When the harsh weather drove the homesteaders out, they
moved to Huntley Project, where they farmed and had a small dairy. Ruth
told stories of selling cream and eggs to residents of Billings on the “milk
route.”
Ruth met Gene W. Wade while attending Huntley Project High School.
After graduating, Ruth attended Billings Normal School and majored in
music. Even though music remained a life-long passion, Gene persuaded
Ruth to attend Billings Business College, because “a business education”
was more important. Ruth and Gene married on Oct. 16, 1938.
The couple decided to call Cooke City, Mont., home and started a
family. They had two sons, Gene Jr. and Dennis. They built a service station
and cabins that became Watuck Lodge. Watuck, which many thought was
“an old Indian name” was really a combination of the names Wade and
Tucker. Running the lodge in those busy years, Ruth met many guests who
became fast friends. As they added additional property, Ruth put her
business degree to good use. At one time they owned or operated: the U.S.
Post Office, State Liquor Store, Hiland Saw Mill, Hiland Guide Service and
Watuck Lodge. The properties were sold in 1970.
Ruth loved living surrounded by mountains. She enjoyed fishing, hiking,
playing the organ and singing. She and Gene continued to live in Cooke City
until they moved to Billings in the fall of 1987. Ruth said, “We got tired of
chopping wood.” Gene Sr. died in March 1993. The last few years of
Ruth’s life were not as she would have wanted them to be. Her many years
in Cooke City with Gene were the happiest of her life, and she would want
people to remember her as she was in those days.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sid and Winnie Tucker,
husband, Gene W. Wade and brother, Ray Tucker. She is survived by two
sons and their families: son, Gene and Marilyn Wade of Billings,
granddaughter, Anne-Marie, grandson, Brian; son, Dennis and Susie Wade
of Homer Alaska, granddaughters, Laralie and Winna. Other relatives are
sister-in-law, Jackie Tucker, nephews, Steve Tucker, Mark Tucker and
their families.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at a later
date in May. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church,
Mt. Republic Chapel of Peace, Cooke City, or the Yellowstone River Parks Association. Smith Chapel is in charge of arrangements.