Ruth E. Ellefson

HOUSTONRuth E. (Olstad) Ellefson, age 94, formerly of Houston, MN, died Wed. August 20, 2014, at the home of her son, David & Nancy Ellefson, Oshkosh, WI, where she had been living since 2009. Ruth was born March 17, 1920, to Carl and Hilda (Bakken) Olstad, in Rushford, MN. She was valedictorian of her Rushford, MN, high school class. On December 23, 1939, she married Martin Ellefson and together they raised 2 sons, David and Wayne. She worked for Security State Bank, in Houston, MN. At her retirement party after 30 years, she was given a gold watch. They called her back to work the next week as she was the only one who knew the history of the accounts and the computer system as the bank changed ownerships. At Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, she taught Sunday School and was church treasurer for over 30 yrs. She volunteered daily at the meal site.Ruth was always busy. Cooking, baking, vegetable gardening, making soap, sewing, knitting. She grew the best potatoes, made the best lefse, and knitted countless sweaters and afghans. In Oshkosh, she enjoyed eating, music, watching television, and the critters & birds on the Lake Winnebago shore. Ruth is survived by her son David (Nancy) of Oshkosh, WI: grandchildren, Claire Ann Resop, Paul (Kim) Ellefson, Kimberly Ellefson, Amy Ellefson, Jean Marie (Charles Gardiner) Ellefson, Donald Ellefson; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Martha Ferden, June Eskelson, Lillian Larson, Vye Wieland, and brother, Ernest Olstad. She is preceded in death by her husband Martin, in 1978, son Wayne in 1993, and brothers Clifford and Roger. Special thanks to Caregivers Renae Field and William Lahaie for their love and dedication for the past 5 years. Funeral services for Ruth will be held Thursday, August 28, 2014, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, MN, Reverend Leonard Liptack officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to time of service at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Stone Church Cemetery in Houston following the service. Luncheon back at Cross of Christ. Ruth's family prefers memorials be given to Cross of Christ building fund. Ruth was a great lady and we were blessed to have her in our lives. She was kind, generous, smart, and hardworking. She was instrumental in the education, experiences, confidence and success our family have enjoyed. We hope we can give as much as she did. We love you. Thank you for all you did and were. We will honor you by passing it on.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/519095