Ruth Elizabeth Clarken

Ruth E. Clarken, age 96, of Lamberton, MN, died on October 25, 2025, at her home.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lamberton, MN. Funeral Service will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church - Lamberton on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at the Lamberton Cemetery.

Ruth Elizabeth Macklanburg Clarken was born January 1, 1929 in Filmore County.

Ruth married Melvin Clarken and they were blessed with 9 children - Linda, Diane, Tom, Steve, Bill, Barb, Ann, Jim and Paul. They raised their family in Lamberton where Mel ran the Clark Station for many years. Ruth devoted her life to being a wife and homemaker.

Being a part of many different service organizations throughout her life was something that Ruth was very proud of, she had a servant's heart. Ruth was a very active member of American Legion Auxiliary and held many officer positions throughout her years of service. She was an active and generous church member. Some of the other organizations that she was a part of were Garden Club, Reading Club and the Redwood County Council. She held a variety of officer positions for these clubs and hosted many meetings for each of these organizations.

In the spring and summer, you would catch her tending to her large perennial garden filled with a variety of colorful beautiful blooms. This was not an easy task, but something she devoted many hours to during her life. Her garden was her pride and joy. When the holiday season came around, baking large quantities of cookies and goodies was one of her favorite things to do. She would share these treats with her neighbors, friends and family members. Reading romance books, listening to country music, polka dancing and watching soap operas and the Grand Ole Opry were some of her favorite pastimes. Who knows how many 1,000's of miles she put on walking around Lamberton, she walked everywhere.

Above all, Ruth loved her family. She cherished her time spent with them during special occasions, holidays and just regular everyday life.

She is survived by her children - Diane (Ron) Georges, Bill (Jane) Clarken, Barb Clarken, Ann (Larry) Groebner, Jim Clarken and Paul Clarken; daughters-in-law - Darlene Clarken and Sandy Clarken; many grandkids, great grandkids and great-great grandkids. She is survived by half-sister Thelma Volkait and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband - Mel, children - Tom, Steve and Linda, grandchildren - Christine, Melanie, Michael and Tommy, brother Bob and half-sister Martha.

Ruth will be remembered for her kind, caring and generous spirit by her loved ones and the community of Lamberton.