Gloria M Ruen

Gloria M. Ruen of Lanesboro peacefully went to meet her savior at Green Lea Manor in Mabel.

Gloria was born June 22, 1938 in Rushford to Clifford and Dora Rustad. Gloria was baptized and confirmed at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. It was here in this family that she developed her life-long love of music, respect for education and commitment to church and community.  She became an accomplished pianist and accompanist. After graduating from Rushford High School in 1956, she attended Luther College receiving a two-year degree in elementary education, and taught for several years.

On June 12, 1960, she married Charles Ruen at the Highland Prairie Lutheran church after which they lived and farmed in the Lanesboro area. It was here that she raised her family, conducted her businesses and gave back to church and community. It was here, too, that she instilled in her children and grandchildren her love and appreciation of school, 4-H and church related activities.Gloria was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school and serving in many leadership roles over the years. She was active in the community at large, serving as a 4-H leader, Republican Party officer and active member and supporter of Bluff Country Tourism. Gloria was a hard worker and believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well. She led by example in her faith, her work and in her life with the expectation that all of us are here to give our very best.

Gloria was instrumental in developing the tourism industry in the Lanesboro area. Gloria refurbished an 1880s farmhouse, which became the Carrolton Country Inn. It was one of the first bed & breakfasts in the area, enjoyed by guests from around the U.S. for more than 18 years. For several of those years, she also operated the Historic Lodge Inn in downtown Lanesboro.

Amidst all her activities, Gloria's family and home always came first. She was always there for her growing children and, in time, her grandchildren. She was a welcoming hostess, always ready with coffee and treats for children and adults alike. She shared her love of flowers and roses with her gardening, and her family will long remember and treasure her cooking and baking for family meals, gatherings and community events. Children and grandchildren alike will recall hours spent playing board games and doing puzzles with her.

Gloria is survived by her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Charles, and her sons, David (Joan), Mark (Pam) and Eric (Kristi) all of Lanesboro and  Paul (Sue) of Fairmont, MN. She was blessed in life with 13 grandchildren and a great grandchild, her brothers Dale (Becky) Rustad of Northfield, Wayne (Gerry) Rustad of Austin and Rick (Shirley) Rustad of Bella Vista, Arkansas. She is remembered with love by her extended family of brothers and sisters in-law, nephews and nieces, their children and spouses. She also leaves behind her special cousin and dear friend Ilene Larson.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Dora, sister-in-law Lesy and her beloved grandson Andrew.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Gloria’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with Rev. Kerry Eversole officiating.  Visitation will be at the church Monday, March 2 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. The committal service will take place at Lanesboro Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Research or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements.  To share a memory of Gloria with the family please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com.

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