Ruth Elaine Beck

Ruth Elaine Oredson was born December 23, 1920 to Alma (Leaf ) and Nels Anton Oredson. Ruth is a descendent of the Swedish pioneer settlers of Section 6, Riverdale Township, Watonwan County. Along with her brother, John Marlowe, she attended country school at District 36. Ruth graduated from St. James High School with the Class of '39. She attended the Bethesda School of Nursing in St. Paul. As a part of the Greatest Generation, Ruth proudly served her country as an RN during World War II caring for returning soldiers while stationed in Texas. Ruth returned to Minnesota where she worked as a nurse at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Ruth married Russell Nathaniel Beck on Palm Sunday in 1949. Their life together focused on family, faith and their farm north of St. James. The century farm, known as Oredson and Beck, included a registered Holstein dairy herd, hogs and crops. Ruth was baptized, confirmed and married at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church. Ruth had the gift of unwavering faith. Always charitable, she lived out her Christian faith by leading Bible Study at Pleasant View for many years, working in her church and caring for Hospice patients. She was industrious and active in her community. She worked as an RN at the Watonwan Memorial Hospitals and volunteered with 4-H. Accomplished and kind, Ruth enjoyed sharing her rye bread, sweet rolls, quilts and garden favorites. Everywhere she lived, Ruth enjoyed her daily walk in God's creation. Upon retirement, Ruth and Russell moved from the farm to Swanson Avenue in St. James. She was fortunate to travel to two of the places she cherished: the Holy Land and her family's homeland of Sweden. She enjoyed her years with her Homestead, Brandt Ridge and Pleasant View families. She was blessed with lifelong friends and appreciated the caring services she received. Ruth is survived by her daughter Judith, and son Wesley (Karla) Beck and by her cherished grandchildren, Andrew, David (Allison) and Simon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and her husband. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday, November 22, 2015 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Monday, November 23, 2015 East Sveadahl Lutheran Church 30187 710th Ave Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Monday, November 23, 2015 East Sveadahl Lutheran Church 30187 710th Ave Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information East Sveadahl Lutheran Cemetery 30187 710th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Fellowship Fellowship and lunch will take place in the lower level of the church following burial.