Ruth Black

Ruth Evangeline Black, 101, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston, MN. Ruth was born on July 29, 1922, to George A. and Ella A. Boyum. Ruth married Alex G. Black on June 21, 1947. They had one son, Alan (Pamela) of La Crescent, MN.  Ruth was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Gordon.

Ruth graduated from Peterson High School in 1940 as valedictorian. She was an active participant in school publications, choral groups, and band. In 1942 she earned a two-year teaching degree from Winona Teachers College and began teaching at Pine Creek School, rural Rushford. In 1944 she was offered a position in the Peterson school district, where she taught for the next 40 years. She taught all elementary grades, but admitted teaching fourth grade was her favorite. Any student that had Mrs. Black for fourth grade will remember the tonette, an introductory wind instrument. When asked when she decided to be a teacher, Ruth replied very early, while in the third or fourth grade. She was enthralled by how someone could pass knowledge onto children such as herself.

Ruth’s other fascination was with music. She has played piano nearly her entire life, recalling sitting on her father’s lap at the keyboard. Ruth played for school concerts, countless soloists, and 3 musicals presented by Peterson High School. She was also church organist at Grace Lutheran Church, of which she has been a lifelong member. Her home was filled with music, not only from her piano, but also from an electric and pump organ.

Ruth was a strong proponent of anything pertaining to Peterson. In 1976 she was a member of the Bicentennial committee. She was instrumental in organizing all-school reunions. She is a 70-year member of the Peterson Legion Auxiliary. The 1877 Peterson Station Museum has also benefitted from her generosity and talents. Ruth’s artistic ability was not limited to music. She excelled at painting, both in oil and water color, Norwegian rosemaling, calligraphy, hardanger embroidery, quilting, and plastic canvas needlework. The walls of her home are filled with her handiwork.

Ruth had the distinction of living the majority of her life in a single dwelling. Diminishing eyesight made her decide to leave her Peterson home and become a resident of Valley View Healthcare and Rehab a month prior to her 100th birthday. The family wishes to express their thanks to the Valley View staff for the care given to Ruth, especially during her last days.

Visitation for Ruth will be on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5-7pm at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, Minnesota. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11am at Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson, Minnesota. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Ruth will be laid to rest at East Grace Lutheran Cemetery.

Suggested memorials are the 1877 Peterson Station Museum, Grace Lutheran Church of Peterson, MN, and the Valley View Nursing Home of Houston Foundation.