Ruth O. Anderson, 97

Ruth O. Anderson, 97, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND, where she was well-cared for and loved by staff.
 
Ruth Orva Anderson was born May 16, 1928 in Bygland, MN to Edward and Annie (Hegland) Torgerson, one of their 14 children.  She grew up and attended country school in Bygland and at a young age, Ruth moved to town and lived in an apartment with friends while working at Red Owl donuts. Later she went to training and became a Nurses’ Aide. On March 5, 1948 Ruth married Jack Anderson in East Grand Forks, where they made their home. Living on the riverbanks on the Point on 7th Ave SE, their home was always full of visitors.
 
She was 100% Norwegian and celebrated her heritage. She enjoyed rosemaling, making lefse and baking homemade bread. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her favorite baseball team, the Minnesota Twins. Ruth also loved taking trips in the camper with Jack to go  hunting and fishing. She always had great luck whenever she got a chance to visit the casino. Her philosophy was, “A potato a day keeps the doctor away.” She looked forward to time spent with family and friends and we all enjoyed her hugs.
 
Ruth is survived by her five children: Rita Straus of Grand Forks, Peggy (Jim) McIntyre of Grand Forks, John Anderson of East Grand Forks, Alan (Lana) Anderson of Anchorage, AK, and Robert (Lynette) Anderson of East Grand Forks; sister Jean Thompson of Grand Forks; 10 grandchildren: Tammy Lewis, Cory and Brandee Danks, Adam and Jason McIntyre, Angie Gietzen, Jacob Folsom, Andrew and Emily Anderson, Wade Anderson and Jessica Craig; and 13 great-grandchildren.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Anderson, son-in-law David Straus, grandson Brady Folkens, her parents and 12 siblings; Glendora Aaker, Alvin Torgerson, Turene Malafa, Alice Farstad, Doris Shereck, Hazel Fowler, Alma Zhorela, Myrtle Wiertzema, Clarence Torgerson, Raymond Torgerson, Joanne Nelson and Helen Nelson.
 
FUNERAL SERVICE: 1:00 PM on Friday, September 26, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, 203 5th Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Funeral will be live-streamed on Ruth’s page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com.
 
VISITATION: One hour before the funeral on Friday also at First Lutheran Church.
 
INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks, MN.
 
Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com