Ruth Ann Shock, born January 10, 1937, in Durango, Colorado, died October 14, 2026, in Durango at the age of 89. She died surrounded by family after a brief stay at the Mercy Hospice House. Ruth was the second of seven children born to Herbert and Emily Billings, and she grew up on the Billings’ dairy farm in the Animas Valley. As a child, she was active in 4-H, Rainbow Girls, high school orchestra, choir, and drama. She graduated from Durango High School in 1954 and attended Colorado State College of Education at Greeley before marrying Ernest Shock in 1957. Ruth began her stint as a Navy wife.

Before moving back to Durango in 1972, they lived in Hawaii, Virginia, Rhode Island, Newfoundland, Fort Collins, and Silverton. She returned to her family’s property where they built the house Ruth would live in for the remainder of her life.

After returning to Durango, she earned her degree from Ft. Lewis College and then taught at Ignacio Elementary School for 20 years, primarily first grade, before retiring in 1993. She was a member of the Animas Valley Grange, Delta Kappa Gamma, Eastern Star, Animas Valley Garden Club, Durango Kennel Club and First United Methodist Church. She spent many hours volunteering at the Methodist Thrift Store, Cookies & Coffee at Four Corners Nursing Home, the LaPlata County Fair, and 4-H.

She always was proud that she was welcomed as an honorary member of the Methodist Men’s Breakfast Club once she became Ernie’s driver.

Ruth was a talented knitter, cross-stitcher, baker, gardener and even spent years training her Sheltie, Mindy, and taking her to dog shows. She would love to travel to Laughlin and Branson with her husband and siblings and cousins to see the shows and play the slots.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Emily, her sister, Clara May, and her husband of 62 years, Ernest. She is survived by her children, Nancy, Diane Doney (Mark), Robert (Christine), Emily Flores (Patrick), her grandchildren, Samantha Gallagher (Joseph), Danielle McKibbin (Daniel), Keric, Cady, Sydney, and Lucy, and her great-grandchildren, Alexa, Arianna, Ruthie, and Maggie. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Franchini (Gerald), Janet Thompson Matlock (Gary), Barbara Berkshire, and Julia Ellison, her brother, Herbert Billings (Sandy), and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on November 23, 2026 at 11am at the Summit Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animas Valley Grange in care of Ann St.John, 11010 CR 250, Durango, CO 81301 or The Methodist Thrift Shop.