Ruth Laverna Peterson

Ruth Laverna Toevs, Sherwood, Peterson (aka Gigi, Gramma, Framma, Aunt Ruthie, Uncouth Ruth) Is now at peace, and has joined the heavenly choir on December 15, 2020.

Born August 25, 1929, in American Falls, Idaho, to Edgar and Annice Toevs. Ruth was the second oldest of the 6 Toevs children including: Walley, Margaret, Marylyn, Ed, and Jim. Ruth grew up in Aberdeen, Idaho, working on the family farm, and attending school. Ruth’s father was a minister, a “spud farmer” and was very well liked in the community. Many stories are remembered about the events of the farm life shared by the Toevs children to the “younger” generations. Imagine if you will, a runaway Manure spreader. Ruth shared some exceptionally beautiful experiences she had with her brothers and sisters and cherished those memories.

After graduating high school, Ruth attended Whitworth College and received a master’s degree in music, and where she met Bob Sherwood. Bob and Ruth were married January 21, 1951, by Ruth’s father, Edgar. Bob was a Naval Chaplin, and spent time at Oxnard, where their first son, Todd, was born.  In Camp Pendleton, their second son, Scott, was born. They moved to Montana, in 1958, and Ruth began her career in teaching music. Their third son, Dan, was born there. Ruth loved music and along with teaching at Hamilton and Grantsdale schools, she was the choir director at the 1st Presbyterian Church. Ruth was incredibly involved in the church, taught youth groups, and youth and senior choir. The annual Christmas concert at the church was one of her favorite accomplishments.

An avid fisherman, Ruth could walk to the river from our house, and she enjoyed her time on the river. Camping was another joy of Ruth’s, with three young boys in tow, she would take to the east fork, west fork, and Lake Como, and fish anywhere in between. Ruth was an awesome cook, but a simple frying pan full of fresh “panners” sitting in the coals of a campfire was her true delight.

In 1980, Ruth married longtime friend and companion, Dr. Richard L Peterson. Boy did these two enjoy the life ahead of them! I never expected to see my mom in a T-shirt that said “BAHAMA MOMMA”. Dick and Ruth traveled, entertained, taught, and enjoyed each other’s company to the fullest. Now throw in 6 grandkids and a hot tub, and Ruth was truly happy. She and Dick “owned” the grandkids, and we got visitation rights. When Ruth’s brothers, sisters, nieces, or nephews showed up, it was time for a feed! Ruth and Dick opened their arms and their home to so many.

Their backyard was host to a treasure trove of memories that transcends generations. There were neighborhood football games, ballet performances, epic Easter egg hunts, Jarts, fetch with Olie (her adopted dog), daring, jaunts into the snow, to make snow angels before dashing back into the hot tub, and evil sprinkler heads that were just low enough to miss the lawn mower blades, but high enough to put a quick end to any thought of slip and slide (we shall forever cherish the scars we received). This magical place impacted, not just her grandkids, but also served as a gathering place for the church and the community. It truly was a place of magic and wonder… and the occasional gardener snake… just don’t tell Ruth. Ruth always believed in making good memories, and that you lived and not just exist.

Although Ruth’s memory faded, her faith and love of family did not. One of her favorite plaques she had hanging on her wall consisted of 7 simple words that simply read “Be still and know that I am” part of Psalm 46:10. Another favorite was a picture of Jesus laughing. Ruth’s walls were full of pictures, mainly family. They sat across from her sofa so she could see them at all times.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Annice Toevs; brother, Walley; husband, Dr. Richard L Peterson; and oldest son, Todd Sherwood.

Ruth is survived by sisters, Marylyn and Paul Waters and Margaret Toevs; brothers, Ed, Lauren, and Jim Toevs; sons, Scott and Robbie Sherwood, and Dan and Carol Sherwood; grandkids, Bobbie and Steven Munson, Gretchen and David Felon, Mike and Jessica Sherwood, D.J. and Kendra Sherwood, Tina and Cory McConnell and Matthew and Tara Sherwood, great grandkids, Chase, Hunter, Myka, Jace, Calvin, Jacob, Jaida, Jailyn, Torean, Seren and Cerys; the entire Southern Family and Dan, Becky Lynn, Jonathan and Debbie Toevs, not forgetting countless friends and choir compadres.

A very special thanks to Sapphire Lutheran Homes and the entire staff; to Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and Hospice care, and also, to her Church family of the First Presbyterian Church. Thank you to Daly Leach Memorial.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2021

TREES (by Joyce Kilmer)

I think that I shall never see

A poem as lovely as a tree

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of Robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Haven House.

God Bless