Ruthy Robillard

Ruthy Louise Sandy Robillard, 92, was surrounded by her loving family when she went to meet her Lord and Savior on May 3, 2024. She was greeted by her husband of 70 years, Russell. Mom was born on October 19, 1931, to George and Ruth Sandy in Bottineau County N.D. She was the third oldest of 7 children. She considered herself a “tomboy” and loved spending time in the field with her dad and brothers. A couple of her favorite stories she would share are telling about going to the county fair and entering a calf catching contest. She was the only girl to enter the contest and you guessed it…. She went home with a calf.

The other story she would share is when she and her two brothers, Jack and Jim, thought they could teach the chickens to fly. They took the chicks to the loft in the barn and threw them in the air. Needless to say, the chickens did not learn to fly (or survive).

Mom attended school in Westhope N.D., graduating from high school in 1949. She attended Minot State Teachers College and taught school for 3 years in a small country school in Bottineau County. On January 9, 1954, in Glendive MT, mom and dad were united in marriage. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on January 9, 2024. During their lifetime, they resided in Westhope N.D., Glendive, Shelby, Miles City, Broadus and made their permanent home in Billings in 1972. Their daughter Rochelle (Shelly) and son Russell Joseph (Joe) completed their family. Mom was also blessed with 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 4 great grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her grandsons participate in many sports such as bowling, baseball and hockey. Throughout her lifetime Mom worked many jobs. She worked as a waitress, food prep (Pita Pit), hotel housekeeper, and a school lunch aide (Bitterroot and Beartooth schools). Early on, mom enjoyed bowling, playing tennis and playing cards. She loved to watch softball and baseball and many weekends she could be found at Stewart Park.

The job she held with highest honor was mother and grandmother. She enjoyed planning birthday parties, Halloween parties, and Christmas parties which were often the talk amongst friends. She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and we are very thankful for the time spent and memories made.

She was a great cook and baker. She took pride in this and would make sure there were freshly baked cookies or cake in the house regularly. She would have it timed so when we would get home from school she was taking them out of the oven.

A couple of mom and dad's most memorable trips were to Nashville Tennessee, Florida and Charlotte N.C. Mom also cherished the trip to Hawaii with her mom, daughter and good friend Jackie.

Ruthy is survived by her daughter Shelly Dunbar, and son Joe Robillard (Carol). Her Grandchildren Christopher Dunbar, Matthew Dunbar (Shelby) and Taylor Dunbar, Stephanie Robillard (Kaezuan), Trey Robillard (Amber), Tyler Robillard and Nicole Robillard. Her great grandchildren Sawyer and Easton Robillard, Mayvis Dunbar and Xavier Munoz. She is also survived by her brother Jerry Sandy (Joanne) and sister Carol Clark (Harold). Those who greeted mom at the gates of heaven were her loving husband Russell who passed on February 27, 2024, her parents Ruth and George Sandy, brothers Jim (Helen) Sandy and Jack (Helen) Sandy, sisters Donna (Wally) Hulse and Beverly (Bob) Donovan and Son-in-law Carl Dunbar.

We would all like to thank the Riverstone Hospice Care Team for the love and compassion shared with both mom and dad during their journey. We are forever grateful.

Memorials may be sent to Riverstone Hospice 123 S 27th St. Billings, Mt 59101 or Beartooth School 1345 Elaine Street Billings MT 59105 (attention Travis) for students in need of funds for school lunches.

Memorial Service to take place at Dahl Funeral Chapel, on Saturday, June 15th, at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow in the basement of Sunset Bowl, 1625 Central Ave.