Ruth Ora Bierly, 96, died early January 18, 2011 at Kimball Manor. She has been cremated. Private family gravesite inurnment will be held at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering at a later date when all family members can be present. Memorial donations may be made to Kimball Manor.

Ruth was born November 1, 1914 at Magnolia, Illinois to Arthur L. and Luella Bishop Dixon. The family moved to Gering in 1927 where Ruth attended school. Ruth married Laurel L. Evelyn May 7, 1932.

One son, Ronald, was born to this union. The family resided in Gering, Casper and Wheatland. After a divorce Ruth moved to Auburn, California where she operated an ice creamery. Ruth married Gene Twidt in 1961. They owned a refrigeration service and ranched in the Thermalands. Gene died in 1967. In 1969 Ruth and Ken Bierly were united in marriage. They, too, were involved in ranching and later retired to Loomis, CA. Ken died in 1993.

Ruth was an expert seamstress, crafter and quilter. She was honored as Placer-NevadaCowBelle of the Year in 1985.

In 1994, following breast cancer surgery, Ruth moved to Kimball to be near her son. Ill health necessitated her move to Kimball Manor in 2007.

Surviving are her son, Ronald and wife, Lorna Evelyn; grandchildren Doug (Dorothy), Stacy (Wade), and Alyson (Scott). Great grandchildren include Zach (Kristin), Lacee, Joy, Aaron, Tanner, Jeremy, Justin and Joshua and great great grands are Makehna, Madison and Trinity.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, sister Alma, brothers Lyle, Murray and Glen, grandchildren Bradley and Joy and great granddaughter Ashley.

The family expresses their appreciation and thanks to the Kimball Manor staff who so lovingly cared for Ruth during her almost four years in the Manor.