RAPID CITY- Ruth Anne Mattison Livingston lost her courageous battle to cancer on June 26, 2015. She fought it until the end, until she just couldn't fight anymore. Ruth was born in New London, Ct. on February 12, 1953 to Robert and Beverly Mattison. She grew up in Montville, CT attending local schools there. In 1975, Ruth headed west, driving to South Dakota with her Aunt Liliane and later working for her at the once Canyon Lake Club. Years later she was a part of the opening of the Mini Mart stores in Rapid City. She moved to Springfield, SD in the fall of 1988 where she was employed by CR Industries. It was here she made lifelong friendships keeping in touch by phone or social media. Her love of flower gardening bloomed here as well where she spent many hours among the wild flowers. She spent time fishing for bass and walleye on the Missouri River where she loved spending time at her in-laws place at Running Water where many lasting memories were made. In 2006, Ruth made her way back to Rapid City to be closer to her sister and her family. It was this year her great niece Merrick was born. They formed a special bond and treasured many memories. Wednesday nights was their night to cook, bake, make crafts, watch Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, or just hang out! Grady joined his sister in 2009, he too held a very special place in "Anties" heart. They had fun making faces and taking crazy pictures with her IPad. Ruth and her sister were always ready for a road trip anywhere in the hills. Some of those adventures led to the many antique stores scattered throughout the hills, in search of that one special find. Family time spent at Center Lake was one of her favorite things to do. She managed to bake the best desserts for family gatherings, her famous chocolate chip bars will be missed. Before Ruth's retirement in February 2015, she was employed by Harworth Laundry for many years as their bookkeeper/office manager. She was fortunate to have a kind hearted, generous employer that looked out for her best interests even after her retirement-we forever will be grateful for their generosity. Ruth was an avid reader, great cook, flower gardener, loved the ocean, seafood, DVR movies, and most of all spending time with her family far and near. Although she planted her roots in South Dakota, her heart belonged to the ocean! Ruth was a beloved sister, friend, mentor, and aunt- especially to Merrick and Grady whom she loved dearly. She was our "go to" person, always willing to lend a hand, listen, and give advice...She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Ruth is survived by her sister Kathleen Kovalik of Greenville, South Carolina and her children Karen, Katie, and David. Her sister Wendy Kreber (George) of Piedmont and their children Ryan Kreber and Laura Mason (Jeff), brother Jeffrey Mattison of Uncasville, CT and his daughter Alyssa, sister Lisa Roisum (Kevin) of Oakdale, CT. and their daughters Bethany and Sara, her sister in law Jody (Robert) Mattison of West Palm Beach, FL and their children John, Jessica, and Jennifer, in laws Ray and Mary Lou and family of Yankton, SD. Ruth is also survived many great nieces and great nephews, specials cousins, and numerous friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother Robert and brother in law David Kovalik. We would like to thank the medical staff at the Cancer Center, Regional Hospital and the staff at Hospice of the Hills for their professionalism and caring hearts, not only to Ruth but to her family members as well. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday July 17 at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with burial at the Mountain View Cemetery following.