Ruth Wilson — Rochester

Ruth Elaine (Sorensen) Wilson, 85, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at Madonna Towers on Friday, March 11, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Kenneth Wilson, and is survived by her five children, Beth (Geoffrey) Wilson-Gittleson of Milford, Conn., Paul (Wendy) Wilson of Eden Prairie, Minn., Kristen (Erik) Wilson-Weiberg of Seattle, Wash., Stephen Wilson of Roseville, Minn., and Robert (Priscilla) Wilson of Fall Creek, Wis.; as well as 11 grandchildren, Michael, Bryan, Forrest, Anders, Ellie, Grace, Henrik, Audrey, Peter, Camille and Ben; three great-grandchildren, Nathan, Soren and Graham; and her sister, Martha Sterner. She is also survived by several cousins, including Ron (Cathy) Hagen of Rochester, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was born in Lincoln, Neb., the daughter of Martin and Martha (Reimann) Sorensen. She graduated from the University of Nebraska and taught high school home economics in Blair, Neb. After her marriage to Kenneth, she resided in Columbus, Neb.; Rochester; and Fairfield, Conn., where she raised a family.

In addition to being a homemaker, Ruth worked as a medical secretary for the American Red Cross, owned and managed Dorothy's Kitchenettes in Rochester with her husband, and was an active church member at Trinity Lutheran, Our Savior's Lutheran and Zumbro Lutheran churches.

Ruth's interests included gardening, walking, bird-watching, music, traveling, square dancing, and corresponding with Danish and German relatives in their native languages. She particularly enjoyed singing and playing bells in the church choirs and playing her violin in musical ensembles with sisters Greta and Martha.

We will remember Ruth's generous, kind-hearted and compassionate nature. She had a warm wit and loved laughter. She enjoyed people and put many smiles on the faces of family, friends and strangers alike.

Ruth's family thanks Madonna Towers and Mayo Clinic Hospice staff for their care and kindness.

A memorial service will be at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester on Monday, April 25, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, Madonna Towers, and Zumbro Lutheran Church.

Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester, www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.