Ruth Cusick

Ruth D. Cusick, loyal and loving wife and mother, deeply committed to her faith, family, and friends, passed away on September 3, 2009. Ruth was born Sept. 6, 1921, the 7th of 8 children born to John and Grace (Gordon) Dwyer. In her youth, Ruth enjoyed hiking and horseback riding in the mountains around the family cabin outside of Butte. She played on the 1935 championship girls#8217; basketball team from St. Patrick#8217;s school in Butte. She earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Marylhurst College, and did post-baccalaureate training and worked as a medical technologist in Seattle, Helena, and Billings. In 1951 Ruth married Jim Cusick of Laurel MT in St. Patrick#8217;s in Butte. They raised 5 children, born in 4 states, while Jim pursued a career as a college professor. In 1961 the family moved from Bozeman MT to Fullerton CA where Ruth and Jim lived for 45 years. During the years in California they returned to Montana every summer. She had a lifelong love of the outdoors and camped with her family throughout Montana and the Rocky Mountain West. Ruth enjoyed her involvement in her children#8217;s activities. Ruth was an active member of St. Joseph#8217;s Parish in Placentia CA, where she volunteered in the school, attended daily mass and a rosary prayer group, and participated in the Senior Forum. Ruth and Jim were blessed with 55 years together until Jim#8217;s death in 2007. Ruth lived for the past 2 years at Birchwood Senior Living Center in Bozeman. Ruth#8217;s memory is cherished by her children Cassie, Jimmer, Connie, Mary, and Mike; 7 grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews. Memorial donations are suggested to the Fairview Developmental Center Resident Benefit Fund, c/o James Cusick, Jr., Program 6, 2501 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa CA 92626. Vigil and Rosary will be held Wed. Sept. 9 at 7 pm and Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Thurs. Sept. 10 at 11 am, both at Resurrection Parish in Bozeman.