Ruth E. Anderson

Ruth Evelyn Anderson, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend died Sunday, December 23, 2012 in the Mahnomen Health Center Hospital at the age of 96. Ruth E. Christianson was born March 9, 1916 to Hilda and Idius Christianson in Gully, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Lund Lutheran Church. Ruth's family was blessed with the gift of music and she and her siblings played various instruments and spent many evenings playing and dancing in the music room. Ruth graduated from Gully High School and furthered her education at Bemidji State College from 1934-1935. In 1936, she graduated from Brady & Rogers School of Cosmetology in Minneapolis, MN. Ruth was employed in various salons in Minneapolis, McIntosh and Bagley, MN. Although she didn't always work in a salon setting, she continued to apply her skills as a cosmetologist for her family and friends. On October 10, 1936 Ruth was united in marriage to Maurice G. Anderson. As they raised their family, her husband's teaching and administrative career took them to Shevlin, Neilsville, Bejou, Mentor (Dugdale) and Karlstad, MN, before moving to Twin Valley in 1961. Throughout her life, Ruth took an active role in the community, holding many offices in church, school and other organizations. Among her many talents were sewing, crocheting, quilting, playing the piano and organ, refinishing and upholstering furniture, baking, canning and gardening. Ruth was happiest when surrounded by her family-her number one priority. Her love and her generous nature were visible to all who knew her. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Ruth was also a great listener, teacher, counselor, mentor, caretaker, nurse, guide and protector, a true inspiration to us all. Even though we are now parted, she remains in the center of our hearts. Mom, we love you and miss you every day…until we meet again. Ruth is survived by her four children: Wayne (Lila) Anderson, West Fargo, ND, Maureen Nelson, Gary, MN, Elaine (Richard) Swanson, St. Michael, MN, Debra (Brian) Amenrud, Coon Rapids, MN; sister, Alice Walker, Bemidji, MN; 16 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, her parents; three brothers; two sisters; a son-in-law and a nephew. Funeral Services were held Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, with Pastor Anne Pairan officiating. Special music was provided by Monica Winter. Visitation was held at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Serving as pallbearers were Ruth's grandsons: Leif Anderson, Tag Anderson, Eric Anderson, Brad Trane, Matt Amenrud, Mike Nelson, Paul Nelson; Honorary Pallbearers were Ruth's granddaughters: Pam Matzke, Laurie Sather, Jana Pederson, Darci Nelson, Meg Fallgatter, Kathy Gorski, Beth Melson, Barb Schlimme and Amy Steffen. Burial was in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.

Ruth E. Anderson

March 9, 1916 - December 23, 2012