Ruth Castor died peacefully in her sleep Monday, July 10, 2017 after a valiant, three-year battle with cancer.
Ruth Ann (Long) Castor was born in Fargo, North Dakota on September 26, 1951 to Robert Edwin and Dorothy Ann (nee. Hilde) Long.
Ruth grew up enjoying country life on the family farm where she and her siblings helped with chores but also had many hours to spend in creative play. She attended grade one through four in Verona, North Dakota then finished elementary through high school in Ellendale, North Dakota. Ruth was a member of various 4-H clubs and the Lutheran Youth League. She participated in 4-H camps and Youth League activities throughout her youth as well as being active in the Girls Athletic Association during high school.
After high school graduation, Ruth married John Walsh and moved to Jamestown, North Dakota where she worked as a legal secretary. They moved with their young family to Borup, Minnesota and Ruth worked as a librarian. A move to Laramie, Wyoming followed where she worked as a receptionist for a medical group while attending the University of Wyoming. She received both her B.S. degree in elementary education and a M.A. in curriculum and instruction from UW.
She started her long Albany County teaching career in Rock River teaching fifth and sixth grades for two years. Ruth then taught sixth grade at Washington Elementary School until it closed and finished her teaching career as a sixth-grade teacher at Indian Paintbrush Elementary.
Ruth was a dedicated educator, devoting countless extra hours to her students before school, during recess and lunch as well as often tutoring students after school. She set high expectations for her students and did all within her power to see they were successful, responsible learners who were well prepared to move on to the next level. She used her unique sense of humor and fun to encourage and motivate her students. She served as a sixth grade and student counsel sponsor for many years helping students plan, organize and carryout schoolwide activities. Ruth maintained long standing relationships with many former students and their families. She was always thrilled to hear from them long after they had left her classroom.
Ruth had a natural leadership ability. She was a member of and actively participated in local, state and national education associations, serving as president of the Albany County Education Association. She was a district delegate to state and national conferences. She joined and lead many district committees which help select district curriculum and policies. Ruth was proud to offer D.A.R.E, a drug and alcohol curriculum in her classroom. She was a member of the D.A.R.E Officers Association and conducted workshops for D.A.R.E officers at the Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas, Wyoming. Throughout her career she always strove to increase and improve her teaching skills by attending a variety of continuing education classes along with state and national conferences.
Her vivacious personality, love of people and socializing often resulted in family, friends and colleagues gathering at her home to enjoy good company, food and wine. Ruth’s home was always decorated for holidays throughout the year, with Halloween, Christmas, and the Fourth of July being favorites. She especially enjoyed spring and summer when she could put out her big pots of flowers and sit on the deck to visit and relax.
Another love was her family. Ruth met and married the love of her life, Robert Castor in 1993. They had twenty-four wonderful years together. Her children, step-children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews all held a special place in her heart. Ruth was a generous, giving neighbor and friend who never hesitated to offer help when needed.
Ruth loved to travel and was always ready for an adventure. She took many trips with Bob and friends. The traveled Europe, including trips to France, Italy, England, Germany and Austria. She also traveled throughout the United States. Ruth enjoyed new sights and learning interesting facts about each area which she shared with her students enriching their learning.
She retired from the classroom in 2013 but continued to serve Albany County schools as an elected Albany County School Board trustee. She was a dedicated advocate for students and teachers while serving on the board. Ruth reluctantly relinquished her position due to ill health.
She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Long.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Castor, son, John William Walsh (Julie), Connor, Kaitlyn, Lyndsay; daughter, Mandi Jean King Garcia, Andrew, Damien, Demetrius, Angelo, Alexanders, Desmyn, Aubree, Devyn; step-daughter, Ashley Cameron Schluck (Mike), Carson; step-son, Adam Robert Castor; mother, Dorothy Long, four siblings including special confidant, brother, Russell Edwin Long.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Laramie (1754 Centennial Drive Laramie, Wyoming 82070) or Trinity Lutheran Church (107 South 7th Street Laramie, Wyoming 82070).
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Nathan Keith, officiating.
32 Comments To "Ruth A. Castor"
#1 Comment By Brian Wester On July 12, 2017 @ 11:59 am
SHOCKED!!!! My prayers go out to her friends and family. Ruth Castor was my 6th grade teacher, and probably one of the best teachers I have ever had. She was very tough on students, but the great thing about her is she cared about every student in her class. When I became a substitute teacher, she was very excited and she always requested me to sub for her class (I felt honored). She was such a very tough and very caring person, that is what made Ruth Castor probably the best teacher I have ever seen. The world and especially the community lost a true GIANT!!!!! You will be missed.
#2 Comment By Anonymous On July 12, 2017 @ 12:30 pm
Love and prayers for Bob and Ruth’s family. Ruth was a wonderful teacher and friend who touched so many lives in positive ways. Love. Diane & Terry Smith
#3 Comment By Anonymous On July 12, 2017 @ 3:00 pm
Love and blessings to you all. Ruth was a true gladiator for education and will be remembered fondly by many.
#4 Comment By Vicki Jepson On July 12, 2017 @ 7:11 pm
I remember Ruth, my cousin, in ND, as a beautiful blonde little girl with an impish smile and full of laughter and fun.
Vicki & Linc Jepson, NH
#5 Comment By Anonymous On July 13, 2017 @ 6:40 am
I am so saddened to hear this. I have known Ruth my entire life. Her daughter Mandi and I are childhood friends and I have so many wonderful memories of Ruth. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this extremely difficult time. Monica (Banks) Welch
#6 Comment By Robert Ely On July 13, 2017 @ 6:46 am
So very sorry to hear about Ruth. She was a dedicated Teacher, whom I enjoyed working with through the Association. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers and condolences go out to Ruth’s family.
#7 Comment By Cindy Flynn On July 13, 2017 @ 7:15 am
My deepest sympathies to you Judge and your family. Ruth was a beautiful woman inside and out. A wonderful giving soul and a warrior for all!!!! I have missed her no nonsense approach to life and her amazing cooking and her kindness. She is amongst the angels and watching over you and yours.
#8 Comment By Tamera and Kevin Nelson On July 13, 2017 @ 7:44 am
Love and Prayers go out to her friends and family. She was amazing and had a heart of gold. She always had a smile on her face. We will miss her.
#9 Comment By Ruth Harris On July 13, 2017 @ 8:46 am
Ruth was such a dear friend! She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, former students and co-workers. She had a vivacious love of life that was contagious, even after she began to suffer the ravages of her illness. It made every activity you did with her fun–whether you were on a trip somewhere exciting or just laying around all day watching Hallmark movies because her illness precluded doing much else.
I had the privilege of knowing Ruth for more than 35 years. She loved and was very proud of her family and, even towards the end, their welfare was her main concern. She also was very grateful to have had such meaningful work as an educator. She loved her students.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Bob, her children, grandchildren, Russ (her brother), and Dorothy (her mom), and all the other family members. She truly made a difference for the better in this world and will be missed dearly.
#10 Comment By Wade Lanning On July 13, 2017 @ 9:00 am
Mrs. Castor was one of the best teachers I ever had. I think the experiments we ran in her class were first experiences with the scientific method. (I recall measuring the mass of oil absorbed by a piece of paper in contact with some peanut butter.) Her teaching is definitely a big part of what led me to a career as a research scientist. I also fondly remember her breaking out the turntable for history of music lessons as well. I am very sad to learn of her passing, but comforted thinking of the impact she had on everyone around her. She was and will continue to be an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know her.
#11 Comment By Anonymous On July 13, 2017 @ 2:47 pm
To the best 6th grade teacher ever…you made me think, you gave me courage, you showed me I was special, and you never forgot me! It was always a joy to see you in the community because you always worked so hard for what you were passionate about. Plus, you always cared about what I was doing in my life. You gave me skills as a young lady to be confident, learn and study hard because its fun and powerful, share your knowledge because it breathes life. You along, with Mrs. Thelen, Mrs. O’Malley and Mrs. McGrail all inspired me to become a teacher. Mrs. Castor I thank you for all you did for me and countless others. You were and will always be in my fondest memories. Love always, Rene Sanchez. I wish I could be at your service to pay my respects but I will be out of town but I will truly be thinking of you then and in the future! Much love to you and your family–
#12 Comment By Anonymous On July 13, 2017 @ 2:49 pm
Thank you for investing in our daughter and becoming a light for her as the years went by! You always welcomed hearing her stories about her classroom and working at the University and simply cared. We will never forget you and what you have meant to her. Our family is praying for yours and we send all our love. Paul and Irene Sanchez
#13 Comment By Wayne and Toni Turcato On July 13, 2017 @ 4:54 pm
Ruth was an amazing teacher. She loved teaching reading to those who needed extra attention. She loved her family.
#14 Comment By Jacinth Berreth On July 14, 2017 @ 9:15 am
I have wonderful memories from being her student. As a teacher myself I recognize her dedication to her students. She will be mis
#15 Comment By J. Moore/Volunteer On July 14, 2017 @ 3:36 pm
To the Family of Ruth A. Castor,
So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Ruth. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Ruth.
(John 11:41-44)
#16 Comment By Mike and Reggie Fluty On July 14, 2017 @ 3:57 pm
To the family of Ruth, so sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you all!
Mike &Reggie Fluty
#17 Comment By Becky Riley On July 15, 2017 @ 6:21 am
We are sorry for your loss, Bob and family. We have fond memories of Ruth’s teaching skills. She not only taught children, but helped adults reach new levels in understanding and learning. Chris, Becky and Joanna Riley
#18 Comment By Jim Berrigan On July 16, 2017 @ 1:02 pm
I am deeply saddened by this news. Ruth was a beloved, exceptionally caring person and an extraordinary teacher. Ruth taught both of my children (who are now in their 30s) in 6th grade. Today, if you ask either of my kids who their best and favorite teacher was, there is no question in their minds. It was Ruth Castor. She had a gift for being able to understand each student individually. She recognized their individual strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes and knowing this about each one would tailor an individual learning experience for each one in her classroom. She knew how to motivate and inspire her students. On occasion, even years later, my wife and I would meet Ruth around town and she remembered us and our children and would always ask how they were. She was a remarkable person. I would like her family to know that she will live on in the lives of those she taught. I know that my children will never forget her. Because of Ruth, they understand that learning can be a very positive and rewarding experience. Ruth’s influence on the lives of her students and all who knew her has made the world a better place.
#19 Comment By John Murphy On July 16, 2017 @ 9:59 pm
You have always had my respect Judge, but now I send you my sorrow. What a wonderful partner you lost, and think of all those children and relatives. I’m an outsider Greenie but had the opportunity to watch you in court several times. John Murphy
#20 Comment By Anonymous On July 17, 2017 @ 8:41 am
I’m very sad to hear that Mrs. Castor battled cancer. She has touched many lives as a dedicated educator- including mine. She was one of my favorite teachers of all-time. Love and prayers to her family during this difficult time.
Monique (Held) Henley
#21 Comment By Dieter and Bonnie K. Sturm On July 18, 2017 @ 12:04 pm
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I have been through this and know how it hurts .Only time can heal such a wound.
Keep working; it mitigates the pain!
#22 Comment By Sandy Garnett On July 18, 2017 @ 12:54 pm
So sad to hear about Ruth’s death. She taught all of us about love, laughter, happiness and dedication. She was one of my son’s teachers years ago and he still knows some of the capital cities of many African cities from her class. I loved seeing her out and about in her yard when I would walk my big black dog in the neighborhood. Sending love and prayers to her family.
#23 Comment By Tye & Wendy Fix On July 19, 2017 @ 9:41 am
Bob and family, We are so sorry for your loss, Ruth was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
#24 Comment By Jean Rux On July 20, 2017 @ 7:20 am
Sending healing thoughts and prayers to all in Ruth’s family. I student taught with Ruth many years ago; although we haven’t connected in years, the lessons she taught me were evident in every day of my teaching regardless of grade level. She was a terrific mentor and friend. I especially loved her sense of humor and easy way with the students and me. Jean Rux
#25 Comment By Deb and Tom DeBrito On July 21, 2017 @ 12:26 pm
To The family of Ruth and Bob, We grieve with you , our hearts ache for you, and we wish we could be there to give hugs and our love to you all on the day of Ruth’s memorial. Ruth was the sister I never had. We knew each other our whole lives. We shared all things together as best friends do and knew each other as well as 2 friends who grow up together do . As childhood cousins growing up on farms next to each other we had a lot in common and I am so thankful I was able to see her as much as I could these last 3 years. She was a blessing to me and many others and God has her with Him in His Kingdom where there is no more pain, sorrow , fear, or any difficulties and she is secure in HIS everlasting arms.
With Love, Deb and Tom DeBrito
#26 Comment By Frank and Barbara Mendicino On July 24, 2017 @ 8:21 am
Bob and family: Deepest condolences for your loss.
Frank and Barbara Mendicino
#27 Comment By Brynn Dreyer On July 24, 2017 @ 1:42 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. I taught at Indian Paintbrush with her during my first two years of teaching before moving home to SD. She was so kind and generous with me and I looked up to her as a mentor. Her students loved her energy and humor. Prayers to her family.
Brynn Dreyer
#28 Comment By Anonymous On July 27, 2017 @ 3:00 pm
Judge Castor and Family, I am very saddened by the loss of Ruth. She was wonderful lady and Teacher. I was blessed to get to know her and Sub Teach for her. I loved working with her in her classroom. She was a great inspiration to all. Bev Kagel and Family
Kevin, Sue (Meredith) and Rick
#29 Comment By Bev Kagel On July 27, 2017 @ 3:25 pm
Judge Castor and Family, I am saddened at the loss of Ruth. She was a great lady and Teacher. I was blessed to get to know and Sub Teach for her. I loved working with her n her classroom. She was an inspiration to all.
Bev Kagel and Family
Kevin , Sue (Meredith) and Rick
#30 Comment By Brad Jackson On July 28, 2017 @ 8:13 am
Words cannot explain how we feel about Ruth, and how deeply saddened we are to have lost her from our world. She touched a special place within our daughter, Kinlie, and left her with life-long lasting advice, thoughts, motivation, desire, and drive. It is rare to have experienced something as wonderful as their special relationship, all starting as teacher & student. From 6th grade all the way to handing Kinlie her diploma at graduation (and then some), we are forever so grateful and thankful for Ruth, and what she meant to us, and to our family. All of our love, thoughts, and prayers for you and your family Bob, she was a VERY special lady.
#31 Comment By Jen Beeston On July 28, 2017 @ 3:04 pm
Judge and Miss Ruth, You have blessed me and my family by simply having the opportunity to know you both. What you both mean to me is more than I am able to express in words. I have learned much from Ruth’s journey and her strength, humor and unconditional love of life. I will continue to think of you often Miss Ruth and promise to do all I can to keep Judge cared for and strong in your absence.
#32 Comment By Cheryl Ulmer Bucklin On August 1, 2017 @ 8:41 am
So sad to hear this. You were the best friend ever and I will never forget you.