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April 12, 2000
Ruth E. Wade
“Without music life would be a mistake.” Nietzsche
Ruth E. Wade was born to Sidney and Winnifred Tucker in Sherwood
N.D., on Jan. 1, 1916. The family moved near turner, Mont., to
homestead. When the harsh weather drove the homesteaders out,
they moved to Huntley Project, where they farmed and had a small
dairy. Ruth told stories of selling cream and eggs to residents
of Billings on the “milk route.”
Ruth met Gene W. Wade while attending Huntley Project High School.
After graduating, Ruth attended Billings Normal School and majored
in music. Even though music remained a life-long passion, Gene
persuaded Ruth to attend Billings Business College, because “a
business education”was more important. Ruth and Gene married
on Oct. 16, 1938.
The couple decided to call Cooke City, Mont., home and started
a family. They had two sons, Gene Jr. and Dennis. They built
a service station and cabins that became Watuck Lodge. Watuck,
which many thought was “an old Indian name” was really
a combination of the names Wade and Tucker. Running the lodge
in those busy years, Ruth met many guests who became fast friends.
As they added additional property, Ruth put her business degree
to good use. At one time they owned or operated: the U.S. Post
Office, State Liquor Store, Hiland Saw Mill, Hiland Guide Service
and Watuck Lodge. The properties were sold in 1970.
Ruth loved living surrounded by mountains.
She enjoyed fishing, hiking, playing the organ and singing. She
and Gene continued to live in Cooke City until they moved to
Billings in the fall of 1987. Ruth said, “We got tired of
chopping wood.” Gene Sr. died in March 1993. The last few
years of Ruth’s life were not as she would have wanted them
to be. Her many years in Cooke City with Gene were the happiest
of her life, and she would want people to remember her as she
was in those days.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sid and Winnie Tucker,
husband, Gene W. Wade and brother, Ray Tucker. She is survived
by two sons and their families: son, Gene and Marilyn Wade of
Billings, granddaughter, Anne-Marie, grandson, Brian; son, Dennis
and Susie Wade of Homer Alaska, granddaughters, Laralie and Winna.
Other relatives are sister-in-law, Jackie Tucker, nephews, Steve
Tucker, Mark Tucker and their families.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at
a later date in May. Memorials can be made to the First United
Methodist Church, Mt. Republic Chapel of Peace, Cooke City, or
the Yellowstone River Parks Association. Smith Chapel is in charge
of arrangements.
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