Stevensville – The matriarch of our family, Loretta “Babe” Ruffatto, of Stevensville passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, while surrounded by family, at her Bass Creek home of 92 years. She was born March 11, 1925 on the family homestead to Mario and Mary Feronato.
After four daughters, Loretta’s father was desperate for a son to help work the ranch. Instead, he was blessed with a fifth girl who quickly earned the nickname Babe. Mario made sure she learned how to milk cows and drive a team at a young age. She remained independent and the center of life on the ranch until the day she passed.
Babe briefly attended the University of Montana before returning to work the ranch. In 1947, a young man by the name of George was returning from World War II and was hired as a ranch hand. Babe and George were married on October 10, 1947 at St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville. The couple spent the next 57 years working side-by-side on their Bass Creek property, The Ruffatto Land and Cattle Company. Their combined love of cattle ranching and commitment to conservation continues to be a reflection of tireless man-hours. In 2012, the Stockgrowers Association honored Babe with a Lifetime Service Contribution award for this work. The legacy continues with her sons and grandsons all living and working on the ranch today.
From calving season to shipping day to winter feedings, Babe’s dining room table has always been the meeting place at noon sharp for a home cooked meal and conversation. People had a tendency to conveniently show up at this time knowing there was always room for one more at her table. When she wasn’t cooking for “the boys,” you could find her working in her flower beds, tending her vegetable garden or playing cards with the Bridge Ladies.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Mario and Mary Feronato; her sisters Alba Carls, Teresa Cochran and Fran Ruffatto, and her husband George.
She is survived by her sister Marion Potter of Stevensville; daughter Carol and husband Lenny Hinman of Darby; two sons, Tom (Mary McDonald) Ruffatto and Cliff (Chris) Ruffatto; four grandchildren, Carla (Matt Laidlaw) Hinman, Angela (Brian Vibbert) Hinman, Zachary Ruffatto, Joseph (Carrie) Ruffatto; and one great granddaughter, Lila.
At her request, a private family celebration will be held at a later date.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.