With deep love and gratitude for her life, the family of Ruth Stelling announces her peaceful passing on Nov. 29, 2025. Born on March 14, 1943, Ruth lived 82 years marked by gentleness, compassion and a generous spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jerry Stelling, and her cherished sister, Helen Perez. Though her losses were great, Ruth's heart remained open and kind, offering comfort, joy, and unwavering support to her family, friends and community.
Ruth was born in Fairfield, Montana. Once she married her husband, Jerry, she lived in Nebraska for a few years and settled in St. Joseph where they lived for more than 40 years. She moved with Jerry in 2021 to Colorado Springs, Colo., to be closer to family.
For many years, Ruth was a beloved kindergarten teacher in the Lakeshore Public School district. Her classroom was a place of warmth, patience and encouragement – where young children learned, laughed and felt seen and valued. Ruth's love for teaching extended beyond the school year, as she joyfully taught Sunday School at Saron Lutheran Church, sharing her faith and gentle wisdom with countless children over the decades.
Ruth is survived by her dearly loved nieces and nephews: Don Stelling, Debbie Gunter, Sarah Wiehe and Angela Webster, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She delighted in their accomplishments, supported them through life's challenges, and celebrated every moment spent together.
Ruth's legacy is one of kindness, faith and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her patient guidance, and the deep love she poured into her family and community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Aaron Williams
January 9, 2026
My condolences for your loss. Mrs Stelling was my kindergarten teacher for the 1978-1979 school year at the old Baroda school. Being that kindergarten is where you learn the basics and foundation of education, I am very grateful that I had Mrs Stelling as a teacher. May she rest in peace
Marcie (Briney) Shindeldecker
December 29, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Mrs Stelling was my Kindergarten teacher back in 1974.
I remember her as being a kind, engaging teacher who made school a fun place to be.
Sharon Davis
December 28, 2025
Ruth was a very best friend from grade 1 until now Dorothy and I will really miss her. She was a was an exceptional person who loved her family dearly and was a wonderful friend
Kimberly McDannell-Bell
December 23, 2025
Mrs. Stelling was my Bridging teacher after Kindergarten while at Lakeshore. I remember her always greeting us so warmly in the mornings. She was always so kind in her ways! When I grew up, I became a nurse and got to take care of her mother at Jordan's Nursing Home. It was a nice way to reconnect as adults. She was a lovely lady that made an impact on my life. RIP dear one and thank you for such kindness.
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