Ruth Z. (Coley) Hanson, 89, of Williston passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center with her family at her bedside. Her family takes great comfort in knowing she passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father and to be alongside her husband George.

Ruth was born on May 11, 1929 to Martin and Ruth Coley, and was the fourth of nine children. She moved to Williston when she was six weeks of age and lived there until her passing. Ruth graduated from Williston High School, Class of 1947.

On February 18, 1951, she married the love of her life, George Herbert Hanson, and they celebrated 58 years of marriage prior to George’s passing on August 6, 2009. George and Ruth had five children, Marjory (Stan) Parrill, Marsha (Wayne) Greenup, Marilyn (Lynn) Gravos, Mark (Christa) Hanson and Marri (Keith) Hammer. Family was number one to George and Ruth. They were extremely proud of and very involved in not only their children’s lives but also their 16 grandchildren; Alyson and Garrett Parrill, Shannon (James) Hoiland, Stephanie (Brian) Harr, Karri (Sherwin) Severin, Jason and Jennifer Gravos, Chris, Aaron, Michael and Missy Hanson, Ryan Jones, Kacey (Joe) Vargas, Kodey (Sarah) Hammer, Kalli (Jordan) Mahlum and Kadyn Hammer; and 14 great-grandchildren, Lucas and Jacob Harr; Ben and Tyler Hoiland; Braiden, Ariauna, and Samayah Severin; Rylan Gravos; Izabella and Azalea Vargas; Eva, Taea and Kylen Hammer; and Wyatt Mahlum.

Ruth was a member of Faith United Methodist Church. Over the years she enjoyed crafts, quilting and playing bridge. She and George were avid bowlers and are members of the Bowling Hall of Fame. Ruth spent many days over the years helping with the Junior Bowling Association.

Ruth is survived by her children; grandchildren; great grandchildren; her brother, Gary (lleta) Coley; brother-in-law, Clint Hanson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Virgil Coley, Arthur Coley, Charles Coley, Roy Coley, Carol Pagan, Ralph Coley and Rita Shandy.