Ruth Eleanore Olson, passed away July 7, 2026 with family by her side. Ruth was born January 11, 1936 in Grand Forks, ND. She is survived by her second husband, Darrell Bauder; sisters Louise Benz and Mary Beard and brother Roger Kyllo; her children, Andrea Bonney (Jordan) and Leif Olson (Marisa); his children, Brenda Jensen (Mike) and Belinda Freeman (Jon); her beloved grandchildren, Bennett and Logan Bonney and Francesca Olson; and his beloved grandchildren Cameron, Sheldon and Ashton Jensen, Emilee and Zane Freeman. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ida Kyllo, first husband, Wayne Olson and brother Howard Kyllo.

Ruth graduated from Larimore High School in 1954 and went on to obtain her degree in Medical Technology from the University of North Dakota. She began her career working in Arizona and Florida, before moving back to North Dakota. She met her husband of 44 years, Wayne, and they began their family in Drayton, North Dakota before moving to raise them in Detroit Lakes, MN.

She supervised the Dakota Clinic lab in Detroit Lakes for a majority of her 45-year career before retiring in 2003 where she thrived in her role as grandmother, or 'Mormor' (Norwegian).

Ten years ago Ruth met Darrell, and they married in 2020. They both enjoyed spending time with their families and friends and loved traveling.

Ruth was active in her community and church, First Lutheran, where she was a member of a church circle and quilting group and played in the bell choir. She was a member of PEO, Lions Club, charter member of Lakes Curling Club, and volunteered at Hospice and served on the Board of Friends of Tamarac.

Her love of music was present throughout her life as was baking, gardening, stitching, playing piano and cards, and crossword puzzles. Among her many recipes, her family will most miss her pies, bars, cookies, jams, cakes and lefse. Above all, Ruth loved her family and friends. She was all about having fun, attending events, watching the Twins and Vikings, always with her infectious laugh.

Please help us celebrate her life on Friday, August 7, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Visitation at 10:00 a.m.; funeral at 11:00 a.m., with lunch to follow, and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. We welcome all to wear bright and cheery colors. In lieu of flowers she preferred donations to Detroit Lakes First Lutheran Quilters, Hospice of Red River Valley, or Friends of Tamarac.