Ruth G. McNamee

Ruth G. McNamee passed away peacefully February 21, 2019, in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born June 15, 1927, in Denver, Colorado, to Sidney A. and Georgia (Merrill) Graves.

Ruth grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with her sister Lynn. She graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1945, and she then attended the University of Wyoming graduating with a B.S. in Home Economics in 1949. While at the university, Ruth was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and a member of the university Sharp Shooting team. She continued a lifelong love of plants by working for the Botany department cataloguing plants collected in the field.

Following graduation Ruth taught school in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, where she met Michael A. McNamee. The two were married on September 29, 1950, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and remained married for 67 years until Mike’s passing in March of 2018. Following Mike’s service in the U.S. Army the couple settled in Laramie, Wyoming, and lived there the rest of their lives. In addition to providing a home for their seven children, Ruth taught adult education classes for the University of Wyoming and worked at the University of Wyoming Green House where she was responsible for the growing and planting a variety of flowers across the campus for many years.

Ruth was very active in the community. She was a 4-H leader, a docent at the Ivinson Museum, and a Gray Lady, for 25 years, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. She was also an active member of the Laramie Garden Club, the Elks Lodge, Laramie Genealogy Club, as well as the United Presbyterian Church.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mike, sister Lynn, and three brother’s in-law and two sister’s in-law. She leaves behind her sister-in-law Annabelle McNamee, and seven children Margie (Pat) Chinadle, Michael Jr. (Kathlene), Molly (Jeff) Wilhelm, Mark (Linda), Monte (Jean), Charlie (Diane), Tom (Kris). She will be greatly missed by her 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is so thankful for the outstanding care Ruth received during the time she spent in the Columbine Health Care System in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Donations to the charity of the donor’s choice would be greatly appreciated. 

Inurnment will be held prior to the Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 21, 2019 at Greenhill Cemetery.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2019 at the United Presbyterian Church with Pastor Sheri Fry, officiating.

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Condolences (7)

  • Shavon Theis

    Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a great contributor to our town. May the memories bring you happiness and peace. Shavon- LHS Class of 1980

  • Holly Mears Cordary

    I only knew Marge, Mark and Molly through 4-H. Your mother was a great person and had the privilege to meet her. She will be missed by great many people. Sympathy and prayers to you and your family.

  • Charis Kipper

    Sad news about your Mom. Enjoyed some time with her and some of the family in Fort Collins in past years. Prayers for all of you.

  • Sarah Pope

    Molly and family, I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. She was so calm around us all as we made it through adolescence. I remember always having permission to do things as long as you and Jennifer were part of the plan, and as we exited the room, her best advice was "Use discretion." Much love and many prayers as you travel this road.

  • Debbie Pickett

    Molly and family, I am so saddened to read your mom passed. I was always very fond of both of your parents. They can now be rejoined as they should be. One of my favorites sayings has always been "The greatest gift a man can give his children is to love their mother". Your dad gave all of you that gift. Treasure those memories always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Evertt Spackman

    We are very sorry to lose Ruth as a long time friend. We will miss her. Our prayers are with the family. Everett Spackman

  • Anonymous

    We are sorry to hear about Ruth, She will be missed. Everett

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