Ruth Skachenko

Ruth Skachenko, 49, Killdeer, died Saturday, November 6, 2004, at her home of natural causes. Funeral services will be 10 a. m. Friday, November 12, 2004, at St. John?s Lutheran Church, Killdeer, with Rev. Aanen Gjovik officiating. Interment will be in Oakdale Cemetery, rural Killdeer. Visitation will be 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. Thursday at Price-Murphy Funeral Home, Dickinson. There will be a prayer service at 7 p. m. Thursday, at Price-Murphy Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Ruth Mann was born August 1, 1955, in Richardton, ND to Daniel and Lydia (Pfeifer) Mann. She was raised in Halliday, where she attended Halliday High School. Ruth married Curt Conner on August 5, 1972. Together they had three children, James, Lisa and Mike. After eight years of marriage, they divorced. At that time, Ruth and her three children moved to Killdeer and Ruth was then employed by Hill Top Home of Comfort. Ruth loved her job as a CNA. She was a natural caregiver. Mending and taking care of other?s needs were always a top priority for her. On September 9, 1989, she married the love of her life, Arnold Skachenko in Rapid City, SD. Together they brought two families together and made them one. They farmed north of Killdeer. She loved animals, but most of all she loved taking care of her baby lambs. She could not go a season without a couple of ?babies? to bottle feed. At present, she was employed by Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing where she continued to work until her time of death. Ruth suffered from a back injury that prevented her from always living the active lifestyle she had once loved and enjoyed. As a result of the injury, she ended up suffering many ailments and illnesses. She painstakingly pressed on with life, giving it all she could. Ruth loved all sports, but football and NASCAR racing were two of her favorites. She was an all time fan of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Besides sports, Ruth loved crocheting, reading and dancing. She had a passion for music and a natural ability to make people laugh. This ability brought her into a lip sync comedy group that went by the name of ?Snappy Wit Band?. She played the role of ?Martha? or ?Ma?. Although Ruth will be remembered by many for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, she will also be remembered as a person who was compassionate, kind and generous. She loved and was extremely proud of her family, but her pride and joys were her eight grandchildren. She took full advantage of every opportunity to show them off. For several years now, Ruth has been growing weary. Some days every step could be a struggle. The Lord took compassion for Ruth on November 6, 2004. He decided she deserved a helping hand and reached out to her. He opened his arms and picked her up and took away all of her pain. It is with heavy hearts that we give Ruth to the Lord, but we find comfort in knowing she is pain free and is now dancing with all of God?s Angels. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Bryan Kuntz, Deb Leintz, and all of her co-workers at KMM who always believed in her. It truly meant the world to her. Ruth is survived by her husband, Arnie, Killdeer; three children, James (Bridget) Conner, Hettinger, ND, Lisa (Todd) Boepple, Killdeer, ND, Mike (Miranda) Conner, Minot, ND, Step-son, Brad Skachenko, San Diego, CA, Step-daughter, Brandi Skachenko, Seattle, WA, eight grandchildren, Jayden, Zoe, and Rayven Conner, Bryce and Tyson Boepple, Daniel Conner, Kyle and Riley Skachenko; one brother, Richard (Hilma) Mann, Tacoma, WA, sisters, Eldora Bull, Midland, TX, Diane (Clarence) Gunsch, Mitchell, SD, and Marlene (Clayton) Cook, Killdeer, ND. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Daniel and Lydia Mann; brothers, Gilbert, Clarence, Duane and Merrill; four nieces and five nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.


Burial Date: November 12, 2004
Funeral Home Killdeer, ND

Funeral Service: Friday, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Killdee