Ruth Anita Caroline was born on January 8, 1926, to Theodore and Jenny (Benson) Friberg at the family home in Clarkfield, MN. She was the youngest of 9 children and grew up in that home, attending school in Clarkfield. She was baptized and confirmed at First English Lutheran Church, now Augustana, and was involved in music from an early age.

Ruth met the love of her life, Johnie, when she was a freshman in high school, both being together in band and chorus. Ruth played the French horn and Johnie the trombone. They were sweethearts all through high school and married in 1943.

Upon returning from serving in WWII, Johnie and Ruth settled in Clarkfield, and were blessed with five children: Nancy, John Wayne, Marlene, Jennifer, and Donavon. One of her biggest joys was sharing her beautiful voice singing at numerous weddings, funerals, and church choir. She was very active in Ladies Aid, circle, and the Clarkfield American Legion Auxiliary.

Ruth's most rewarding time was raising her children and working alongside Johnie on the farm. She enjoyed cooking and especially baking with rosettes, krumkake, and kringla being her favorites. She also took great pride in crocheting and knitting. All her children and grandchildren have been gifted hand-made Afghans and doilies.

Ruth was an avid Minnesota sports fan, never missing a Timberwolves, Vikings, or Twins game on television. She was so excited to witness a Timberwolves and Twins game in person with her family. Ruth spent the past several years living at Valhalla Apartments in Clarkfield, making many new friendships and being very active. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, church services, and other activities.

Ruth moved to the Clarkfield Care Center in January of this year and enjoyed her time there. She passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the age of 99 years, 9 months, and 19 days. She will be greatly missed by her children, Nancy Houston, John Wayne Sturgeon, Marlene (Dale) Berg, Jennifer (Mike) Oaks, and Donavon (Laurie) Sturgeon; grandchildren, Mark (Lori), Shelley (Gordon), Joshua (Denise), Jessica (Justin), Katy (Don), Angie (Jay), Hannah and Isaac; great-grandchildren, Krista (Al), Ricky (Jenna), Abby, Gavin, Graham, Grace, Haven, Journey, Iris, Alex (Briana), Zach, Isabella, Donnie Jr., and Carly; great-great-grandchildren, Henrik, Anders, Emmelia, Lorelei, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her precious husband, Johnie; parents, Theodore and Jenny; brothers and sisters, Walter, Josie, Agnes, Herbert, Herman, Ethyl, Alice, and Theodora; her sons-in-law, Bill Houston and Jake Oaks; grandson, Bill Houston, Jr., and granddaughter-in-law, Kathy Anderson.

We will miss our mama so much. Blessed be her memory.

A Celebration of Ruth's Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2PM at Augustana Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, with visitation beginning at 1 PM. Interment to follow in Fridhem Cemetery, rural Clarkfield, with a reception at the Clarkfield Care Center in the East Day Room.  Memorials can be made to Fridhem Cemetery.