Ruby Fouts

Ruby Dale (Patacini) Fouts, 93, passed away at her daughter's home in Dillon, with her grandson, Tyler, by her side. Ruby was born February 26th, 1922, to Achille and Ester (Maggini) of Pleasant Valley (Whitehall). Her parents were originally from Biasca, Switzerland before their move to the United States in 1912 through Ellis Island. Ruby's many siblings were Elsa, Elso, Vernie, Elsie, Pete, Alex, and Henry. Ruby grew up on the family dairy farm in Pleasant Valley.  She was accustomed to hard work: milking cows, working in the potato and hay fields, and helping cook for the many hired men. Ruby attended school in Whitehall and excelled in track.  She came from a family that loved to dance"”any free time was spent going to the Green Mill in Waterloo to dance, and there she met the handsome young man, also from Waterloo, Don Fouts. Don and Ruby were married September 28th, 1940 and were blessed with two children, Joe and Donna. They were married for 69 wonderful years. Ruby loved and enjoyed her family and friends.  Other hobbies and interests were working in the yard, flowers, cooking for other people, the TV show "Friends," her dog, Jake, horseshoes, cards, fishing,  bowling, and dancing (especially the Polka). Ruby and Don lived in Waterloo, continuing their married life of hard work. They peddled their milk, cream, and cheese from Waterloo to Butte to make a living. They continued their family life of ranching in Waterloo until they sold the ranch and moved to Whitehall in 1970. The plan was to retire, but Don and Ruby were accustomed to farming and haying, which they continued to do for years until just months before Don's death in 2009. Ruby is survived by her daughter, Donna Lee (Mike), granddaughters Randi (Travis), Paige (John), and Jenny (Steve), grandsons Tyler (Shantil), and Jayson (Koa), great -grand daughter and sons Tylee, Coy, Tanner, Kolby, and Jayson, brother Henry Patacini (Fayma), sisters Elsie Rex and Vernie Smith, daughter-in-law Gail Fouts, nieces Tina LaClaire and Gail Banks, and numerous other nieces, nephews, and greats, plus numerous friends. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents Achille and Ester, brothers Elso, Alex, and Pete, sister Elsa, husband Don, son Joe, granddaughter Wendy, son-in-law Pete Waylett, niece Doty Fisher, and nephew Tim Patacini. Ruby has been cremated; there will be no services at her request. The family asks that any charitable donations be sent to the Senior Citizens' Centers in Whitehall and/or Dillon in Ruby's name. Rest in peace our sweet Ruby. You will be missed.