Ruth Ida Cate Minton

Ruth Ida Cate Minton of Boise, Idaho, peacefully left this Earth on September 26, 2025 in Nampa, Idaho at the age of 99. Ruth, born to Ruth Kenward and Sydney Luther Cate, came into this world on February 16, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the same week as a record Utah snowstorm. She was a true Westerner, having lived a long and full life, in the Great Basin Desert and the Rocky Mountains. The youngest of three children, she grew up and attended public schools in Salt Lake City where she graduated from East High School. She then continued her schooling at the University of Utah and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Education. She married Albert Edwin Minton in 1949 and they unexpectedly moved to Pocatello, Idaho to help Ruth's father run a fledgling equipment company and then a steel company. When Ruth's father died, Ruth and Albert stayed in Pocatello where Albert was manager of Gate City Steel. Ruth loved children and after a short time teaching elementary school, Ruth became a mother and homemaker to three children, all born in Pocatello. Ruth took an active interest in the community. Under her leadership, the American Association of University Women started Pocatello's first Kindergarten classes. Also, she led the PTA of Washington Elementary in opening a pioneering school library. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader and supported the Brownies and Girl Scouts for many years. In her spare time, she relaxed by playing amateur golf at the Pocatello Country Club, where she won many tournaments for her golfing skills. The family moved to Boise, Idaho in 1969, after Albert left the steel business and took a position as the Idaho State Director of Commerce and Development in Boise. In addition to her community involvement, Ruth created stained glass artwork and became an accomplished painter. Traveling with her husband, exploring the outdoors, fishing, and day trips with family and friends were cherished activities. For her entire life she made animals her special companions, including rabbits, dogs, cats, horses, squirrels, and birds. Preceding her in death was her husband, Albert Edwin Minton, her sister, Sylvia Olive Cate Fox, her brother Sydney Luther Cate, Jr., and her son-in-law, Robert Andrew Maynard. She loved her three children and their spouses who survive her: Christine Ruth Minton Anderson (Albert), Dr. Barbara Alison Minton, and Robert Jeffery Minton. She is also survived by her three grandchildren: Robert Axel Anderson (Angela), Barbara Ruth Anderson Wilson (Jonathan), and Andrew Maynard Minton. She is also survived by a large extended family of many relatives and acquaintances who live throughout the United States. There is no memorial service. Burial will be private in the Dry Creek Cemetery, Boise, Idaho. Ruth will always be remembered as one of the kindest friends, mother, and grandmother anyone could have. In lieu of a memorial service or flowers, for those who wish to honor Ruth with a remembrance, she has requested donations be made to the Boise State University Nursing School or the College of Western Idaho Registered Nursing Program. Ruth suggested that because her own mother always wanted to be a nurse, but never was able to complete her own schooling. Other charities suggested for memorial donations are: the Intermountain Bird Observatory, which a wildfire burned out last summer, or the Animals in Distress Association and Ruth Meichar Bird Center, which does wildlife rescues. https://www.idahowildliferescue.org/

The family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Alphonsus Hospitals in Boise and Nampa, The Terraces Redwood Village in Boise, and a special thank you to Danelia Retegan and her family at By His Grace CFH in Nampa who cared for Ruth in her last days.