Ruth Elaine Engen

Ruth E. Engen age 65 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Wednesday August 12, 2015 at Ecumen-Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Ruth Elaine Engen was born November 23, 1949 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Maxwell and Ina Odegaard Coughlin. She grew up and received her education in Detroit Lakes, graduating from Detroit Lakes High School in 1967. On September 5, 1969 she was united in marriage to Larry Engen in Detroit Lakes, MN. They made their home in Detroit Lakes. Over the years Ruth worked at Gambles and Snappy Air Distribution in Detroit lakes, and also as a bookkeeper for her husband Larry when he worked as an agent for Midwest Motor. Ruth was well known as the "Hall Lady" at Lincoln and Roosevelt Elementary Schools. Most recently she owned and operated Detroit Lakes Express and Engen Enterprises. Ruth enjoyed gardening, baking, rock collecting, and organizing family gatherings. She especially enjoyed her family and friends. Her grandchildren were her world. She is survived by one daughter, Kari (John) Syvertson, of Detroit Lakes, MN; two sons, Wade (Linda) Engen, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Bradley (JoAnna) Engen, of Detroit Lakes, MN; eight grandchildren; one great grandson; special friend, Tim McCaslin; two sisters, Ann (Duane) Glander, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Carolyn (Bob) Eilertson, of Audubon, MN; two brothers, Maurice (Betty) Coughlin, of Moose Lake, MN; and Rodney (Jane) Coughlin, of Glendale, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry (2009); and her parents.