Pastor Rudy Ringhoff

        Rudolph Timothy Ringhoff, 62, of Polson, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday,December 14, 2009.

        Rudy was born on July 10, 1947 in Olympia, WA, the son of Fred H. and Lydia Opal Ringhoff. He graduated from Columbia High School in Burbank, WA, attended LeTourneau College in Longview, TX and graduated from Western Baptist Bible College. He then attended San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated from Western Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary in Portland, OR with a Master of Divinity degree. Rudy helped to put himself through seminary by driving tanker trucks for both the Arco and Texaco Oil Companies.

        He married his high school sweetheart, Rita Soden on August 9, 1969 and together had two children, Tim and Jennifer.

        He counted it a privilege and a gift of the Lord to be able to serve Him in this beautiful valley and the dear people of First Baptist Church for almost 32 years. He loved all of you very much.

        Rudy is preceded in death by his father, and sister, Zoe.

        Survivors include his loving wife, Rita, of Polson, son Tim (Rachelle) Ringhoff of Gretna, NE, daughter Jennifer (Travis) Stidham of White Sulphur Springs, MT; grandchildren, Bryar, Ashton, Isabella, Trae, and Marena; his mother, Lydia Opal Ringhoff of Everett, WA; a sister, Mary (Ted) Reed of Everett, WA, and many other relatives.

        Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, December 21, 2009, 11:00 AM, at the First Baptist Church of Polson, MT with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rodney Myrum and Pastor Scott Craven will officiate. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson, MT. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 40401 MT Highway 35, Polson, MT 59860. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Pastor Ringhoff’s family.