Ruth Arlene Gorton

Surrounded by family, Ruth Arlene Gorton passed away in her home on February 24, 2011 at the age of 91. Born on January 3, 1920 in Merriman, Nebraska. to Peter and Alice Pruden Nee Nelson, Arlene was raised along with her six brothers in Gordon, Nebraska. After graduating from Gordon High School in 1938, she worked in the Sheridan County Courthouse. She met Edwin Gorton, 9 years her senior, at a dancehall in Chadron, Nebraska. The two were married on April 18, 1942 and made their home in Crawford where Edwin had grown up. Shortly after they were married, Edwin entered the Army and was eventually deployed to Europe, landing at Omaha Beach on Aug. 17, 1944. Edwin returned from World War II in December 1945, and the couple had three children: Edwin Delos, who died at two months old, Glenda and Dennis. Edwin worked for twenty years as the postmaster of Crawford and she worked as a bookkeeper for Herron Bros. Lumber, Disco Seeds, Midwest Hardware and as treasurer for the City of Crawford. Meanwhile, she became a beloved fixture among neighborhood children as she frequently taught them to sew and do various crafts. Always in search of new projects, she experimented with making wine, brandy and more successfully she and a close friend taught themselves how to carve candles, selling them at regional craft fairs. After Dad's passing she learned to play golf with ladies from Crawford and looked forward to their daily golf outings and even played in several tournaments. Mom and Dad were active in the Methodist church and regularly volunteered to head groups such as Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and youth groups. In 1982, she moved to Fort Collins to be closer to her daughter and family. There, she passed on her guidance to the next generation, teaching her grandchildren how to paint, bake, tie their shoelaces and appreciate Alfred Hitchcock. She sewed Halloween costumes and ice skating dresses and rarely missed a performance or competition. She passed along old Swedish family recipes as well as old Swedish reprimands and brought over cookies when illness forced her grandchildren to stay in bed. She always provided a safe haven from bothersome siblings and a warm environment where learning and creativity were encouraged. She was active in golf and bridge clubs in Fort Collins and was a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society. Consistently gentle and compassionate, Mom had a kind word for everyone she met. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, who died in 1976, as well as their first child, Edwin Delos, who died in 1944, and her six brothers: Leland, Keith, Arnold, Sonny, Sidney and Shorty Pruden. She is survived by her daughter, Glenda Ron Hartmann of Fort Collins; her son, Dennis Gorton Pam of Rapid City, South Dakota; her grandchildren: Charice Hertel of Portland, Oregon, Casey Gorton of Los Angeles, Jason Hartmann Kourtney of Westminster, Colorado, Alissa Hartmann of Jackson, Wyoming, Kendra Hartmann of San Diego, and her great-granddaughter, Holly Hartmann. A Funeral Service will be held at First United Methodist Church Chapel, 1005 Stover St., Fort Collins at 2:00 p.m. on Monday. On Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. there will be a Funeral Service at the First United Methodist Church in Crawford, Nebraska with interment at the Crawford Cemetery. Donations may be made on Mom's behalf to their charity of choice.