Ruth Lillian Carlson

Ruth Lillian Carlson died Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the age of 93 in Sioux Falls, SD at Avera Prince of Peace. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. Ruth was born in 1921 in Napoleon, ND, where she graduated from high school. Ruth taught country school for three years in North Dakota. She married Raymond Carlson in 1944 and lived in St. Paul, MN for three years. They moved to Waubun, MN in 1947 and later to Detroit Lakes, MN in 1982. Ruth was very active in her community and especially at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waubun, where she organized the Sunday school and served as the first woman on the church council. Ruth sold World Book Encyclopedias, was assistant county assessor, a substitute school teacher and a substitute mail carrier. Ruth eventually attended nursing school in Detroit Lakes, a lifelong dream, and practiced as an LPN at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes for 15 years. While living in Detroit Lakes, Ruth enjoyed volunteering at the hospital, working at Grace Lutheran church, and attending bible studies; she also thoroughly enjoyed her bridge group and participating in book club and school activities with her step-great grandchildren. Ruth moved to Sioux Falls in 2012 after an illness and resided at Avera Prince of Peace until her death. She is survived by her son Dr. Walter (Martha) Carlson, Sioux Falls; grandsons Dr. Bayard (Rochester, MN), Sam (Iowa City, IA); two step-daughters Mildred (Wes) Nicholson, Dawson, MN and Loretta (Terry) Druyvestein, Rollins, Montana; sister-in-law, Margaret Carlson; seven step-grandchildren; 16 great step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Raymond (1991), father, Aldo (1969), mother, Anna (1924), brother, Bernard and infant sister. Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church (327 S. Dakota Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104), to the Ruth Carlson Piano Endowment .