Ruth M. (Ward) Brock

Wyoming native and Saratoga pioneer resident Ruth M. (Ward) Brock passed away April 24, 2016 in West Jordon, Utah at the age of 96. After more than 90 years in Saratoga, she moved to West Jordon five years ago to be near her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and A. J. Bartkoske.

Ruth was born December 14, 1919 in Burns, Wyo. to parents Fred J. and Georgia F. (Thompson) Ward. The family moved to a ranch west of Saratoga when Ruth was small. She graduated from Saratoga High School with the class of 1938 and was married to Avon Brock May 9, 1939 in the Ward family home in Saratoga. They enjoyed 67 years of loving marriage.

She had been the owner and operator of Avon's Cafe and Saratoga Bowling Lanes. In later years she worked at, and retired from, the Saratoga State Bank.

Ruth and Avon were active square dancers, history buffs and rock hounds which led them to being charter members of Sinclair Promenaders, Saratoga Historical & Cultural Association and Cherokee Trail Chapter of the Archaeological Society. Following retirement, the couple loved to travel and spent several winters with their friends in the southern states and time with family. Following Avon's death in 2006, Ruth continued with her many activities including being a regular for meals and events at the Saratoga Senior Center.

Ruth loved both family history and the history of the Platte Valley and served as a Docent at the Saratoga Museum as well as contributing many items of historical significance to the museum. She was an avid reader, enjoyed archeology, and served the First Presbyterian Church of Saratoga as an elder, deacon, member of the Ladies Aid and in various other capacities throughout the years. She dearly loved the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As the oldest of seven children, Ruth had an enormous love and compassion for her siblings. She was a honest and hard working lady who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Ruth had a great appreciation for the simple things in life.

Surviving to honor Ruth's memory are one daughter, Nancy (A.J.) Bartkoske of West Jordon, Utah, and three grandchildren, Shawn (Rosella) Saucier of San Diego, Calif; Traci (Wade) Watts of West Jordon, and Jason Saucier of Palm Springs, Calif. Also surviving are great grandchildren, Brittany and Stephen Saucier of Seattle, Wash; Tyler Money, and Megan and Preston Watts of West Jordon. Two sisters also survive Ruth, Winifred Bryant of Lusk; and Merle Starr of Saratoga, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Preceding Ruth in death were her parents; brothers Tom, Jim, Neal, and Jerry Ward; her son, Fred Edward; and her husband Avon.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Saratoga Saturday, May 28, at 11 a.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Steven R. Niccolls. Interment and graveside services will follow in the family plot at the Saratoga Cemetery. A reception and Ward family reunion about noon in the Presbyterian Fellowship Hall will conclude the celebration of life for one of this area's best loved, eldest and longest resident.

Contributions in honor and memory of Ruth may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Saratoga, 303 W. Bridge Ave./P.O. Box 116, Saratoga, WY, 82331.

Tributes and condolences may be offered online at www.carboncountyfuneralhome.com or to Nancy Bartkoske. 7634 So. Elk Ridge Drive, West Jordon, UT 84084.