RUTH E. THOMPSON

Ruth is survived by her children Marjorie (Gene) Steinberg, Mason City, IA; Russell (Carole), Gowrie, IA; Randall (Carol), Lake Zurich, IL; Rodney (Deborah), O’Fallon, IL, 13 grandchildren/step grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Merle A. Thompson, son Roger Thompson, her parents, Edwin and Mary Oleson, sisters, Helen Thompson and Margaret Thompson, brother, Robert Oleson, sister-in-law, Eileen Oleson, and brothers-in-law, Thomas Thompson and Robert Thompson.

Ruth was born March 8, 1920, in rural Webster County. She attended Ft. Dodge schools and graduated in 1937. After high school, Ruth worked in Fort Dodge for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. She was united in marriage to Merle Thompson on February 19, 1941, in Badger, IA. They had 63 years of marriage before Merle’s death in 2004. Ruth and Merle both enjoyed farming north of Bode. They also had Arabian horses for many years and enjoyed doing some traveling across the country in their van.

Ruth was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode. She had been a Sunday school teacher for many years, a member of Welca, served as president of the Alter Guild and treasurer of the Ruth and Gleaners’ Circles, member of Women of St. Olaf, and member of Lydia Circle. She loved to serve the Lord in her church and her personal life.

Ruth was also a member of the Bode Community Club, the Women’s Club, and Bode Senior Citizens. She loved to play cards and attended a card club regularly in Bode with friends in the community. Ruth enjoyed doing Norwegian Rosemaling and giving these beautiful painted pieces to family and friends. Ruth treasured her friends and neighbors and was grateful for their concern for her well-being. Special thanks from Ruth’s family for the watchful eye of so many in the Bode area while she lived on the farm. Also, thanks to North Care in Humboldt when she left the farm for the wonderful care she received there.