Ruth Martha Thompson

Ruth Martha Thompson, age 89, passed away peacefully at J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Park on March 9, 2023.  The youngest of 9 children, she was born June 18, 1933, in Monroe County, Wisconsin to Anton and Martha Jensen.

After graduating from Tomah High School, Ruth attended the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, MN and graduated as a registered nurse in 1954.  Ruth met the love of her life, Duane, and they married on October 23, 1954 in St. Paul MN and had four children.  

Duane and Ruth built their first home in 1957 on land in North St. Paul.  While raising a young family, Ruth worked evenings as a registered nurse at St. John’s Hospital on Maria Ave. in St. Paul. Before leaving her full-time role as nurse, she was the Evening Nursing Supervisor at St. John’s:  a role of which she was very proud.

In 1973, they built a home and moved to Scandia, and started a small hobby farm on 40 acres.  Their hobby farm had a variety of animals over the years, cows, horses, a goat, chickens, ducks, rabbits, as well as dogs and cats.  They also expanded the “hobby farm” to add an additional 200 acres up the road in Lindstrom.  

In 2000, they moved from Scandia to a townhome in Lindstrom where Ruth continued to enjoy entertaining, traveling, playing bridge, walking, reading, volunteering, gardening and making candles.

Ruth was a natural caregiver and showed that kindness and caring throughout her life.  She will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Ruth is survived by her son, David (Jean), daughters Rene’ (Randy), Roxanne (Mike) and Rebecca (Tom).  Six grandchildren – Sara (Steve), Joe (Leah), Ross (Austin), Roy, Jacob, and Jim (Christine).  Four great-grandchildren – Adelynn, Lucas, Laniee and Brooklyn. She is also survived by her two brothers - Arnold and Ruben and other family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 am, on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail, Scandia, MN.  The family will be greeting family and friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Private burial at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.