Ruth Elaine Christensen was born September 22, 1928, the 2nd child of Hans Peter and June Nina Christensen in Hemingford, Nebraska. Ruth completed the Christensen family of four. She had one sister, Ellen Christensen. Six short months later, after she was born, the family moved to Berea, NE. Growing up on the family ranch in the 1930's Ruth learned, at an early age, the value of hard work. The Christensen girls were in charge of gathering the eggs from the chickens (even though she disliked it) and milking the cows.

Ruth would run away to school, so at the young age of four they decided to enroll her at the Berea School where she attended grades 1st-10th. The first two years of high school were at Berea School and then 11th-12th grade in Alliance, NE. While attending high school in Alliance, Ruth met the love of her life, Robert Mulloy. They married June 19, 1949. Together, Robert and Ruth had three children: Patricia Eileen, Robert Bruce, and Janice Claire.

After getting married, they lived on the family homestead near Alliance. They moved a few more times, before finally moving to their forever home in 1955 where they would raise their children near Elm Springs, SD. Ruth was not only a homemaker, but also worked alongside Bob on the ranch tending to the sheep, cattle, and chickens. She also served on the Election Board for 35+ years.

Ruth enjoyed many things in life including cooking, reading, gardening, canning, and her grandchildren. She always has been and always will be very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always made it a point to share with them just how proud of them she truly was, and she never missed a birthday or anniversary. Ruth was always willing to lend a hand no matter what it was. She was always just a phone call away willing to give advice on whatever it might be.

Ruth and Bob had an endless love for each other and built their love around their children, grandchildren, and their families. They loved visiting with neighbors and friends and held these relationships near to their hearts. They will forever be in ours!

Ruth, 88, Union Center, died Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Ruth is survived by one son, Bruce (Patsy) Mulloy of Union Center, SD; one daughter, Janice Mulloy of Rapid City, SD; four grandchildren, Elaine (Randy) Smith, Carol-Anne (Jade) Hlavka, Marie Mulloy, and Jaymeson Eisenbraun; three great-grandchildren, Waylon Hlavka, Rowan Smith, and Carston Smith; and one sister, Ellen Christensen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hans Peter and June Nina Christensen; her husband, Robert Mulloy; and one daughter, Patricia Mulloy.

Visitation will be Friday morning one hour prior to the service at the community center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, at the Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Memorials have been established for the Meade County Ambulance and the Fire Department.

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