Montana Mystery: The Unsolved 1977 Murder of Ruth Lori Ballew

Nearly 50 years later, the murder of a young Billings woman remains unsolved. But even as decades have passed, the questions surrounding what happened to Ruth Lori Ballew on a cold February night in 1977 still linger.

A Disturbing Discovery Near the Billings Dump

On Saturday, February 5, 1977, emergency dispatchers in Billings received a frantic call from the owner of a local helicopter company. According to reports, a couple walking along Jellison Road near the city landfill had stumbled upon the body of a woman lying in a remote area. They immediately alerted the helicopter company owner, who then contacted authorities.

That woman was later identified as 21-year-old Ruth Lori Ballew of Billings.

Who Was Ruth Lori Ballew?

Ruth was born on September 19, 1955, and graduated from Billings West High School in 1974, according to her obituary in The Billings Gazette. She lived with her parents at 2025 South Billings Boulevard and, at the time of her death, worked as a nurse’s aide, according to her death certificate from the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences.

READ MORE: A Family’s Tireless Search for Missing Billings, Montana Woman

Police reports and later cold case summaries indicate that Ruth sometimes worked in the old Empire Bar area of downtown Billings. Records from that time describe her as engaging in prostitution in that area.

What the Autopsy and Investigation Confirmed

Ruth died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to her official Montana death certificate. Her death was ruled a homicide, and an autopsy was performed. Her body was found along Jellison Road, not far from the Billings landfill, a secluded spot, even by 1977 standards.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her burial took place at Sunset Memorial Gardens on February 9, 1977, with services at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Billings.

Leads and Confessions, But No Arrests

Over the years, investigators have followed several leads. According to Yellowstone County cold case summaries, one man admitted to taking money from Ruth the night she was killed, while another reportedly confessed to involvement. But despite these developments, no charges were ever filed, and no arrests were made.

Who Was With Ruth That Night?

In a video, Sgt. Dan Paris said investigators believe someone out there still holds key information about Ruth’s final hours.

“Her family was involved with the investigation,”  Paris said, “however, we don’t have contact with her family at this point anymore. The Cold Case Unit is seeking key information regarding who she may have been with the night of the murder.”

Investigators continue to focus on retracing Ruth’s movements that night and identifying anyone who might have seen her or been with her before she was killed.

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Nearly 50 Years Later, This Case Still Needs Answers

Ruth Lori Ballew was just 21 when her life was cut short. Nearly five decades later, her case remains open, and it continues to weigh heavily on those who have reviewed the evidence over the years. Anyone with information about Ruth Lori Ballew or her murder is encouraged to contact the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit at 406-254-7988.