Ruth E. Niska

Ruth Ellen ‘Ivey’ Niska, age 59, died Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Punta Gorda, FL. Ruthe died at home after an intense 6-week illness. 

Ruthe was born on August 27, 1961, in Marianna, FL to Wendy Veronica ‘Batt’ Ivey and Charles Leonard Ivey Jr. 

During her youth, Ruthe, being a U.S. Air Force dependent ‘brat’, grew up and lived in numerous stateside and European Air Force bases. 

Ruthe married Warren ‘Oscar’ Niska on August 19, 2006, at Riverside Park in Beulah, ND. 

Ruthe attended the State School of Science at Wahpeton, ND, and graduated with an Associate Degree in Electronics. After Science School, Ruthe worked in Wahpeton, ND for IBM and Imation. Ruthe later worked a number of years as a waitress, prep cook, bartender, and then as a blackjack dealer.

Before moving to Florida, Ruthe lived in SC for 5 years. 

Ruthe’s main interest was riding on the motorcycle with Oscar and attending Regional and National runs of the Vietnam Vets Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club. Ruthe was respected and loved by all. 

Ruthe is survived by her son, Brian Kemp, SC; daughter Wendy Guitian, OK; brother, Chip Ivey ‘Yrma’, TX;  brother, Tony Sims, GA; brother, Jose Rivera ‘Lidia’, CA; sister, Maria Rivera, GA; brother, Greg Ivey, FL; brother, Ryan Ivey, FL; niece, Lisa Ivey, TX; nephews, Thomas Sims and Elia Sims, GA; extended family stepchildren, Jim Niska, ND; Ivan Niska ‘Dawn’, (Currently on a world sailboat tour); Ross Niska, ND; grandchildren, Brewer, Braya, Taylor, Trinity, and Garin Kemp, SC; and grand-daughter Avacyn Guitian, ND; step-grandchildren, Matthew Niska, AZ, Mekenzie Niska, AZ, Jayda Niska, and great-grandson Colin Cameron Kinder, AZ; Ruthe is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in the UK.

 Ruthe was preceded in death by her mother, Wendy Veronica ‘Batt’ Rivera, and stepfather Willie Rivera. 

The family sends a special thanks to Tidewell Hospice, Port Charlotte, FL for their compassionate care during Ruthe’s final days. 

Ruthe’s ashes are to be buried at the State Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND. 

Arrangements were made through Johnson-Taylor Funeral and Cremation.