Ruth Bellanger

Ruth Bellanger, age 64, of Naytahwaush, MN, died on Thursday, February 26, 2015, at Altru Health Systems, Grand Forks, ND. Ruth LaGarde was born on June 19, 1950, in White Earth, MN, to Benjamin and Mary (Parker) LaGarde. She spent her early years in the White Earth area and then moved to Minneapolis, MN. Ruth attended Good Sheperd School and graduated from Marshall University High School. Ruth furthered her education at Bemidji State University, where she would meet her future husband, Steven "Shuff" Bellanger. The couple made their home together in Minneapolis where their daughter, Brianna, was born. They moved back to Naytahwaush in 1981 and were officially married in August of 2000. Upon moving back to Naytahwaush, Ruth worked with the special needs children at the Naytahwaush School and later Headstart for a few years before raising her son and grandchildren with Shuff. Ruth was a caring and loving person. Her door was always open to anyone in need, whether it was a place to stay or some simple guidance. She was the first person to help someone in need and would always go the extra mile. Ruth and Shuff's home was always filled with children and grandchildren. In her spare time Ruth enjoyed reading books and spending time with her family. Ruth is survived by her children: Briana (Dylan Magney) Bellanger, Brandon White, Miranda “Gerdy” Whirlwindsoldier, special nieces; Kate and Kaelyn Snetsinger, and daughter Angela Whirlwindsoldier, all of Naytahwaush; grandchildren: Ja’Niya Hanks, Marissa Whirlwindsoldier, Brayden Murray and Isabelle Murray; a sister, Jean LaGarde of Bemidji, MN; a brother, Joe (Susie) LaGarde of Naytahwaush. She was preceded by her parents, husband, Shuff in 2011; grandson, Peyton Zornes and siblings: Virgil LaGarde, Wayne LaGarde, Dick LaGarde, Barbara LaGarde and Phyllis Bevins. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at the Sports Complex in Naytahwaush. Visitation will begin Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Sports Complex and will continue until time of the funeral. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, White Earth, MN.

Ruth Bellanger

June 19, 1950 - February 26, 2015