(I found this in my files. I probably wrote it about 25 years ago. If you find something that I have recorded incorrectly please tell me! I tried to base the beginning of  the story on Ruth in the Bible. I took some liberties to use some favorite lines from Ruth in Grandma's story. I hope my readers can tell what is verifiable facts, and what is added )

Here is my version of the story of Ruth.. I mean Retta!

...Now, it came to pass in the days when Rutherford B. Hayes ruled our great land, that a certain man of California went to sojourn in the county of Spokane, Washington. He, his wife, and his four children.
The name of the man was Frank Sterling, and the name of his wife, Isabelle. The names of his daughters were, Lillian May, Ella Francis, and Isabelle. And, the name of his son was Loren.
As they sojourned, they came to the town of Cheyenne and continued there until the days of Washington statehood.
In the process of time Lillie and Ella took themselves husbands from the men of Spokane. The name of the one, Robert Thomas Johnstead. The name of the other Peter Anton Stevens Wagner.    
 After this, Isabelle bare a daughter to Frank, in his old age. They named the child Margretta Victoria, but they called her 'Maggie'. She was a beautiful child and well-loved [spoiled] by all.
In 1889 a great disturbance came to the family, insomuch that Isabelle fled to the land of her nativity.
So, Isabelle arose, with her youngest daughter, that she might return to her parents' house in Michigan, for she had heard how the Lord had blessed her parents in giving them peace and brotherly love. (Besides, she missed them a lot!)
Therefore, she went forth out of the place where she was, her youngest daughter with her, and they continued on their way to the train station. And, when Isabelle was about to board she saw Frank had followed them and she cried, "Go! Return to your own house! May the Lord deal with you, as you have dealt with the children and with me!"
Frank sighed guiltily and kissed the babe on the forehead ` and softly said, "I hope you have a nice trip darling!" and "The Lord grant that you may find rest in the house of your grandparents." Then he kissed her and Isabelle sharply and impatiently declared, " Surely Retta will return with me unto my people." Her voice softened as she addressed her daughter, "Turn away my daughter!