Ruth A. Williams
Monday, June 17, 1929
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Age:
91 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday August 15, 2020
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Saturday August 15, 2020
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Sunset Rest Cemetery [ view map ]
Monday, June 17, 1929
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Age:
91 years old
Monday, June 17, 1929
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Age:
91 years old
Ruth A. Williams
Ruth Williams passed away in Rochester, MN on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the age of 91 after a lengthy illness. Ruth was born at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, IA on June 17, 1929 to Arthur and Alma (Rye) Lund. She grew up in Northwood, IA and graduated High School in 1947. In 1949, she received her teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College. She went to Waldorf College for one year, then finished her undergraduate degree in education at Mankato State University in 1954. From 1954 to 1957, she taught elementary education in Northfield, MN, then taught in Albert Lea, MN from 1957-1958. On August 7, 1958, she married Warren Williams at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. She taught in Des Moines, IA from 1958-1961 while Warren was in Pharmacy School at Drake University. In October 1969, Warren bought Reeve’s Drug in Rochester, MN and moved the family there. After her youngest son was born in 1971, Ruth taught a special education at St Francis Catholic School for two years. After that, she substituted both long and short term in the four K-8 Catholic Schools in Rochester for 31 years. Besides teaching, she helped raise three boys and worked at both Reeve’s, then later Eagle Drug in Rochester. She was of her Norwegian heritage and went to many lutefisk dinners. She was never shy to explain to people the meaning of “Uff Dah” and “You Betcha”.
She and her family went to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church since 1969 and she volunteered in many areas at the church over the years. At the age of twenty, she became ill with Chronic Ulcerative Colitis and was in St Marys Hospital in Rochester for several months in 1950-1951. After surviving that, she would wake up every day with a smile on her face and never took any day for granted.
She is survived by her husband Warren; three sons, Steven and Robert of Rochester and John (Jennifer) of Rochester; four grandchildren, Dru, Edin, Brita, and Piper; sister-in-law Dorothy Williams of Northwood, IA, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother Herbert Lund of Albert Lea.
The funeral service will be in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mike Zaske officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, Waldorf College, or to donor’s choice. The family thanks Mayo Hospice for the care given Ruth the last three weeks of her life.
To leave a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Ruth A. Williams has received the following condolences.
Our condolences to your families. Ruth was such a sweet and beautiful woman.
~Tammy, Jake, Ellie and Mason Goemaat
Dear Warren and family: My deepest sympathy in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Ruth was a wonderful person and always wore a smile. Thinking of you all at this time.
My sincere sympathies and prayers to all of Ruth's family. It was such a delight to see her at the mall and store over the years. She had an everpresent smile for all of us. I pray for her peace and comfort to all of her family.
Sincerely,
Pat Ridout
(Janitor at the Galleria)
Our family first came to the Mayo Clinic in 2011. The first person we met was Ruth, followed by the rest of her family, at Eagle Drug Store. I found myself coming into the drugstore everyday because of the uplifting support Ruth always gave me. She never forgot a detail and was always certain in her optimism. Ruth's charming personality helped me through many ordeals. Each and every time I travel to Rochester from Miami, my children ask to come. They love it because they associate the entire town with the Williams family. I will cherish my memories of Ruth and was happy I got to see her the last time we were there. I will miss seeing her and Warren going out for dinner in town every night. She was so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, children, and grandchildren. I have never seen a more devoted family. I will forever feel Ruth's presence at Eagle.
Kym Hawthorne
Miami, FL
So sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed stopping at the store and see Ruthie. I am sure she and Liz are catching up and having some great laughs.
I was so sorry to read about Ruth's passing in the PB. But, what a long life she had! She will be missed. I remember fondly seeing her when I would pick up my prescriptions at the store. So much has changed over the years! Fond memories. So important. Take care, Love Billie
Warren, Steve and family, I wish to share my condolences with all of you. As a member of Gloria Dei for 52 years, I new Ruth for many years. My most meaningful thoughts are when I would see her in church and she would give me a, "Hi, how are you doing today" and that forever smile she had. The same as when I would see her in the drug store. I can still visualize the three of you (Warren, Ruth, Steve) sitting in the same pew for many years. I would look for you as I was sitting in choir in the balcony. She will be missed but what a wonderful place she gets to be in now. God Bless. Lynne Miller
We are sad to hear of Ruth’s passing. You were all such good neighbors. Ruth was such a friendly person to visit with.
“Death leaves a hurt that no one can feel”
”love leaves a memory that no one can steal”
Hugs and prayers to all of you.
Arlyn and Linda Ward
My deepest sympathy to the Williams family. It came as no surprise to me. Rest assured Ruth is in a better place. I was thinking back to the old days with pleasant memories of how cheerful and outgoing she was. Over the years it has been and still is a pleasure doing business with you! I always feel very honored when you all address me by name!
Jeff Smith
So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. Always kind and friendly, Ruth served as a wonderful model of generosity for all. Wishing you God's warm embrace and fond memories of a life well-lived.
Aunt Ruth was a staple in our growing up. She always wanted to know how you were doing and what you were doing and who you were doing it with. She knew a lot of the people from the neighborhood and kept up to date on everyone and everything. A very special aunt and person. She was loved by many and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Let the memories that are yours and shared by others give you peace and comfort. love you all. Brenda
The Dunford family sends you our deepest sympathy. We knew the Williams family from Reeves/Eagle Drug. One of the kindest friendliest families in town. They always remembered the names of all the kids and grandkids and made a point to ask about them. Ruth was very proud of her family and loved to talk about them. She will be missed.