Ruth Irene Capp, 86, Spearfish, died on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Ruth was born July 25, 1926 on her grandparents' ranch near Crookston, Nebraska to Clio (Westlake) and C. Chester Searby. Her parents lived on the Searby ranch near Long Valley, South Dakota. She was later joined by eight siblings (seven brothers and one sister).

Ruth attended elementary school at rural grade schools near her home and later attended Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska (staying with her aunt). Her parents moved during her high school years to her grandparents' ranch near Crookston, Nebraska and Ruth graduated from Valentine High School. Ruth obtained a teaching certificate while attending high school but instead of becoming a teacher, Ruth opted to marry and raise a family. She married William (Bill) Capp on August 1, 1944 at the Searby ranch house in Nebraska, in the same house where she had been born.

For the first year of their married life, the newlyweds herded sheep for Bill's brother, Howard Capp, near Faith, South Dakota. In 1945 they purchased a ranch near Long Valley, South Dakota which they operated for 18 years. Four children were born to Bill and Ruth: Larry, Carol, Linda and Dorothy.

In 1963, they sold their ranch and bought a motel in Spearfish, South Dakota. They operated the Capp Motel on Jackson Blvd. until 1980 when they retired and moved to their home on Polley Drive. Ruth enjoyed fishing and camping with Bill until his death in 1995.

She was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and played a leading role in organizing the quilting group there. Ruth also served as ALCW president.

Ruth was a volunteer at the Black Hills Passion Play for over twenty years and loved her role as a water bearer. She was a founding member and also served as president of the Spearfish chapter of the VFW Women's Auxiliary. She was on the Senior Citizens' Center Board for a time and did volunteer work at the Spearfish Hospital gift shop.

Ruth also enjoyed letting others know that she was thinking of them and was well known for the birthday, anniversary and holiday cards she sent to friends and family. Her family always marveled at her beautiful handwriting.

Her parents, husband, two brothers (Kenneth, Nyle), her sister (Lila) and an infant great-grandson preceded her in death. She is survived by her children; son, Larry (Penny) Capp of Spearfish, daughters; Carol (Norvan) Ness and Linda Lester of Spearfish, Dorothy (Allen) Hilburn of Allen, Texas; eleven grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and one great, great granddaughter, her brothers; Jay (Ruth Mary) Searby, Carl Searby, Earl Searby, Wiley Searby and James Searby plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Ruth will be 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.