Lieutenant Colonel Robert "Bob" E. Ruthford

Lieutenant Colonel Robert “Bob” E. Ruthford, 88, died of natural causes on Thursday March 28, 2013 in Superior, MT. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, friends and wife of 63 years, Doris Ruthford (Mencel). Lt. Col. Ruthford was born on March 28, 1925 to the late Scaffy and Arba Ruthford in Chicago, IL, where as a young boy he was drawn to airplanes, always taking time to watch as they flew overhead. As he grew older, his passion for aviation led Lt. Col. Ruthford to enroll in the Army Air Corp. Academy in Tampa Bay, FL at the young age of 17. Upon completion of flight school in 1944, Lt. Col. Ruthford was held in high regard for his accomplishments, graduating in the top of his class and commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army Air Force. By the age of 19, he proudly served his country on his first assignment as crew commander and pilot of the B-17, and to follow in the Korean War piloted the P-51 Mustang. Lt. Col Ruthford honored his duty in the Air Force for 29 years, serving in WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Bob married Doris Mencel in 1950, and later had 7 children. Doris lovingly took care of their children and supported her husband as he carried out his service to his country, traveling to various Air Force bases around the country and world. Bob retired in 1971 and moved to Mineral County, where he and Doris continued to raise their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bob was a true hero, earning him the utmost gratitude and highest praise for his service to his country and community. His unbroken passion to flight was shared willingly with others, inspiring a new generation of pilots to follow his love for exploring the skies. His devotion to his community and passion for flight will be esteemed endlessly through countless programs, such as “Read to Fly”, Mineral County Search and Rescue and the Mineral County Airport, which was dedicated in his honor in 2012 and named Lt. Col. Robert E. Ruthford Airfield.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father, sisters Jesse and Minty. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris Ruthford, brothers Corky Ruthford (Maxine) Dick Ruthford and Gordy Ruthford, sisters Nancy Sodiman, Beverly Blanchette; and sons Tom Ruthford (Jeanice), Gary Ruthford, Joe Ruthford (Katie) and Paul Ruthford and daughters; Peggy Stevens (Charlie), Diana Campbell (David), Minty Ruthford (Pete) and 23 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

His love for exploring the skies will never be forgotten……..Niner Niner Three 8 Tango has been cleared for take-off.

ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Queen of Heaven Church, Superior, MT on Saturday, April 6th at 10am. A fly-in honor service will be held shortly after the services at Mineral County Airport. Regards and condolences to the family may be sent to PO Box 808, Superior, MT 59872.