Stevensville – Lifelong resident of the Bitterroot Valley, Thomas (Tom) George Ruffatto, 75, passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Tom was raised in Stevensville, MT, where from a young age he knew he would dedicate his life to cattle ranching on Bass Creek with his father and brother. Tom held a deep love and respect for the land, always striving to care for it responsibly. He had a vast knowledge of water, and was instrumental in the reconstruction of the Bass Lake reservoir that provides irrigation water for the ranch. Tom always loved a good horse, owning many throughout his life and there was always a red heeler at his side, some a little less friendly than others.
Tom was most proud of the 37 years he served on the Bitterroot Conservation District. He also served on the Ravalli County Planning Board, West Side Stevensville Fire Department for many years and was a member of the Bitterroot Stockgrowers and Montana Cattlemen’s Association.
Tom was an avid reader with a particular interest in Montana history. He spent his life learning, always staying up-to-date with changes in the agricultural world from livestock to equipment to water conservation. With the knowledge he gained, he was able to help run the Ruffatto ranch while simultaneously protecting the land he not only lived on, but shared with many others.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor. Tom always had a joke or a story to share and could command a room with his telling of it. No matter the situation, Boss T took it in stride and lived by the words, “It is what it is.”
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary, his two spoiled ranch dogs: Arlee and Huntley, three rescue kitties, his sister Carol, brother Cliff (Chris), his nieces Carla (Matt) and Angela (Jay) and nephews Joe (Carrie, Lila) and Zachary. A private burial will take place on the family ranch. He was preceded in death by parents, George and Loretta (Babe) Ruffatto, and brother-in-law, Lenny Hinman.
We would like to thank St. Patrick Hospital, Montana Cancer Center and the Hope Hospice Center for their incredible care and compassion. With the help of these people, as well as his friends and neighbors who took the time to stop and visit, Tom was able to pass on his own terms with dignity and grace.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Mary’s Mission, P.O. 211, 315 Charlo Street, Stevensville MT 59870 or the Hope Hospice Center, 3615 Union Pacific Street, Missoula MT 59808. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.