Carol Ranell Rutten

Alexandria

Carol Rutten, 78 of Alexandria, passed away on August 11, 2025 with her husband and family by her side.

Carol Ranell Riddle was born in Valley City, North Dakota on July 4th, 1947 to Dorothy (Larson) and Ernest Riddle. She was the second of their five children and the oldest daughter. When she was a child, the family moved to a farm near Wheaton, Minnesota where she attended school and graduated in 1965.

Following high school, she moved to Alexandria, MN to attend the technical college. It was during her time there that she met Ronald Rutten, and they were united in marriage on December 31, 1966. The first few years of their marriage, she worked at the Alexandria Telephone Company while they raised their two young children together. They moved to Moorhead in 1981, where Ron worked for Steiger Corporation. During that time, they purchased a Dairy Queen and welcomed their youngest child. While she worked in her early years, she eventually was able to stay home and raise their children, and she felt fortunate to be able to do that. Over the years, Ron and Carol made homes in Eden Prairie, returned to Moorhead, and finally back to Alexandria where they have been since 1994.

Carol was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She and Ron were regular figures at both their children's and grandchildren’s events, whether near or far. She liked to bake or play games with them and you could always count on finding a snack in her large pantry. And in their retirement years, everyone - both grandparents and grandkids - looked forward to the annual trip to Brainerd or Duluth. It was always an adventure.

She was a caring and loyal friend. She enjoyed playing Bunco and spending time with her monthly FATS group. They were actively involved at St. Mary’s Parish over the years and she has always been committed to her faith. She was known for her home decor, it wasn’t a holiday without a fully decorated house, but she especially loved the 4th of July and Christmas. Dressed in her trademark plaid button-down shirt, she and Ron could be found nearly every day at a table at Travelers Inn. They also enjoyed frequent trips to the casino with their friends or son.

Carol is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ron; children, Brian Rutten (Patty Savelkoul) of Carlos, MN, Michelle (Scot) Snitker of Maricopa, AZ and Carrie (Josh) Meyer of Bismarck, ND; five grandchildren, Wyatt, Keaton, Carson & Brady Snitker and Mackenzie Meyer; brothers Vern (Jennifer) Riddle, Al (Maureen) Riddle, Jerry (Randi) Riddle, and sister Lori (Dave) Goble and brother-in-laws Jerry (Sheila) Rutten and Roger Rutten and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Dorothy Riddle, in-laws Bernard and Margaret Rutten, two sister-in-laws and a nephew.

Carol’s family would like to thank Hospice of Douglas County and Windmill Ponds for the care they have shown.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Monday, August 18, 2025, 1:30 – 2:30 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30 PM. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation