Ruth Polkowske — Bradenton, Fla.

Ruth Polkowske is reunited with the love of her life, Gordy. She met our Savior on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016

Ruth was born on May 14, 1931, in Rochester. She met her sweetheart, Gordon — "Gordy" as she called him, and he called her "Ruthy." She became his bride on Oct. 10, 1947. They had five children, Mike, Dean, Cathy, Tom and Danny. They lived in Rochester, and then moved to the farm in Stewartville.

Ruth 's home and family were her career, and she was a professional. Her positive and strong personality was a powerful influence for all her loved ones, family, friends — old and new. New friends became old friends quickly. You were always welcomed in her living room or around the kitchen table.

She filled her kitchen with delicious aromas and heartwarming comfort foods. She had the talent of creating feasts for small or large gatherings. She made sure that servings of conversations, anecdotes and new memories with laughter, humor and comforting words, were available for all.

Besides working diligently as a homemaker, wife and mother, Ruth looked forward to her Saturday night dancing dates with Gordy after a hard-working week at the farm. She was an avid player of numerous card games and Scrabble, and putting puzzles together. After Gordy retired in 1983 to Bradenton, Fla., she mastered the use of the computer and played many of them online as well. She was also an artist, and many of her paintings are in her children's family home.

Ruth, our mom, our grandmother, our great-grandmother, our sister and our friend, will be greatly missed. However, we rejoice that she is at peace with her Gordy and their son Tom Polkowske and their grandson Chad.

She is survived by her children, Mike, Dean, Cathy, Dan and their families, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.