Ruth Eileen Upton

Ruth Eileen Branigin-Upton, 87, passed away January 20, 2002. Survived by her children Carol (Darol) Biddle of Boone, Colorado, Vanda (Victor) Lake of Kiefer, Oklahoma, and Juna Bridgeman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Deborah Gorshe of Colorado Springs, Kristina Gorshe of Pueblo, Rebeckah (Kyle) Griffis of Plano, Texas, Brendan Biddle of Boone, Bill (Michelle) Lake, Bob Bridgeman and Denny Bridgeman, all of Oklahoma; great grandchildren, Mallory Morrell, Kelly Lichtenberg, Riley Nagl, Amber Howaling Crane, Nina Howaling Crane and Kali Lake. Also survived by numerous cousing and special friends, Marlene Young and Earl and Louise Bricker. Preceded in death by her husband, Van D. Upton; parents, Harry and Zelda Branigin; and grandson, Calvin Lake. Born September 30, 1914 in Jones, Oklahoma, Ruth taught school in Oklahoma until moving to Pueblo in 1956 and was a long-time educator with Pueblo School District 60, retiring in 1980. Ruth was a member of Eastern Star, an avid trout fly fisherman, and was affectionately known as the 'Bird Lady of the South Side.' Visitation will be on Thursday, January 24, 2002 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, January 25, 2002 at the Montgomery & Steward Chapel with Reverend Hal Hartman officiating. Family will receive friends immediately following the service at Broadway Christian Church, 206 Broadway. Cremation following at Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Special thanks to Dr. Cheryl Cavalli and the staff at Life Care Center. In lieu of food and flowers, those who desire may make memorials to Dreamweavers through the funeral home.