Ruth P. Ellis

STAPLES — Ruth Pauline Ellis, age 97, formerly of Pine River, passed away Monday, July 23, 2012, at Lakewood Care Center in Staples. She was born to Roy and Mary Davidson on Nov. 1, 1914, on a farm near Bartlett, N.D., and was so small at birth that her family claimed she fit in a shoebox. Ruth lived on farms near Lakota, N.D., until she was 17. On Aug. 9, 1932, in Fischer, Minn., she married Erwin Ellis, son of George and Mittie Ellis of Pine River. They lived in Pine River until 1943 when they moved out west to Washington and Oregon. They returned to Pine River in 1950, where Ruth lived on the family farm until moving into Lakewood Care Center in 2002. Ruth enjoyed raising her children and foster children and was skilled at working with animals. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards and solving crossword puzzles.

Ruth is survived by her children, Bonnie Bandy (Gerald), Margaret Swoverland, William Ellis (Margaret), Shirley Schmidt (Art); sister, Dora May Jolly; 23 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin; daughter, Kris Fuhrer; granddaughter, Debra Swoverland; brothers, Clinton Davidson, Wesley Davidson, John Davidson; sisters, Grace Schroeder and Agnes Malek.

Services will be 2 p.m. on Friday, July 27, at First Lutheran Church, 309 2nd St. N., Pine River, with Pastor Bonnie Lomen officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine River. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.