Ruth Bauer, 75, Sturgis, died Friday, January 1, 2010, at her residence in Sturgis.

Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2010 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Rev. Michael Fox officiating. Burial follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to the Grace Lutheran Church and Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Ruth was born March 29, 1934 at Hillsview, SD, to John and Tillie (Weisz) Kramer. She attended school in Groton, SD, Hillsview, SD and Hosmer, SD. Ruth worked as an aide at the Eureka, SD, hospital. She met and married Charles Marvin Bauer at Eureka on April 22, 1956. The couple farmed for Charles' parents for several months before moving to Renton, WA, where Charles was employed for Boeing. They moved to the Hauber Mine near Hulett, WY and lived there until moving to Sturgis in 1966. Ruth was employed at Fort Meade and worked in dietetics until her retirement.

Ruth was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and was fond of Bible study. Through the years she loved doing crafts and visiting with her "club" ladies, a group of very good friends. She enjoyed geocaching, walks, and loved spending time with her grand and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing cards and other games.

Survivors include her sons, David (Loray) Bauer, Deadwood, Kevin and Kelly Bauer, both of Sturgis; one daughter, Carletta (Randy) Carsten, Helena, MT; two brothers, Jim (Inez) Kramer, Rapid City, Milton (Valya) Kramer, Rapid City; two sisters, Grace (Bernie) Rumpca, Canby, OR, and Monica (John) Irwin, Phoenix, AZ; also 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son Kirby (Lucy) and her husband Charles.