Cover photo for Ruth Partington's Obituary
Ruth Partington Profile Photo
1936 Ruth 2020

Ruth Partington

December 25, 1936 — May 25, 2020

of Alexandria, MN

Ruth Catherine Partington was born on December 25, 1936, in Fargo, North Dakota, the daughter of James and LaVerne (Madigan) Folstrom.  She grew up in West Fargo and graduated from West Fargo High School.  She furthered her education at NDAC (North Dakota Agricultural College, the current NDSU) receiving her Bachelors Degree in Home Economics.

Ruth was united in marriage to Joseph Partington on May 31, 1958 in West Fargo at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Ruth and Joe met when Ruth’s brother brought Joe home from St. Thomas College during vacation. They had a 2 1/2 year long distance relationship, before marrying 5 days after Ruth graduated from college. They lived in Mound, MN for a short time while Joe finished up his masters in music, then moved to Villard where they both got jobs teaching. After their first child Jane was born, Ruth decided to stay at home to raise their family.

The couple moved to Forest Lake in 1961, then in1966 they moved to Alexandria.  Ruth had her hands full with 5 children in 7 years, and no car since Joe was on the road selling insurance. Ruth said raising her five children was the highlight of her life. They moved to Lake Latoka in 1968, living there for the next 49 years. Ruth loved following the kids activities and was always there supporting them and cheering them on.  This continued with her nine grandchildren, with whom she was very close.  Family always came first and Ruth was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and great grandmother.

Ruth was a talented seamstress, starting her own business out of her home in 1984, the Latoka Bridal Shoppe. She made custom wedding veils, garters and First Communion Veils for many of the local brides and first communicants over the next 20 years.

Ruth had a close circle of friends, who have remained true to each other over the last 50 years, supporting  each other through good times and bad.

She was very involved in her church starting the Pre-School Sunday School Program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was also active with CCD, the funeral guild and Neighborhood Church.

Ruth had many interests that she was passionate about. She was involved with the Runestone Museum, doing extensive research on the Kensington Runestone and Jacob Fahlstrom, her great, great  grandfather who was the first Swedish settler in Minnesota. Ruth was also involved with the League of Woman Voters.

Ruth died on Monday, May 25, 2020 at Diamond Willow with her family at her side.  She is survived by husband, Joseph; four children: Jane Michaels (David), Matt Partington (Patty), Kate Voller Reinking (Phil), Tom Partington (Jill); nine grandchildren: Allyson Radach (Micah), Erin Seidel (Shane), Daniel Partington, Kelly Partington, Vanessa Voller, Benjamin Voller, Nicholas Partington, Taylor Partington, Jacob Partington, five great grandchildren: Lylah Radach, Rhea Radach, Rexlynn Seidel, Taytum Seidel, Zayda Seidel; two sisters: Doris O’Keefe (Jerry), Jeanne Anderson; sister-in-law, Jeanne Cosgriff Folstrom.

She preceded in death by her daughter, Mary; brother, Roger; her parents.

A public visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 6, 2020.  Covid-19 requirements for social distancing and other Department of Health requirements will be followed.  A private family service will be available to the public through live streaming on our website at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6th. A public burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery at 12:00 p.m.

A special thank you to the staff of Diamond Willow for taking such loving care of Ruth over the last four years and Hospice of Douglas County.

Funeral Service

Committal Service

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Partington, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, June 6, 2020

10:00 - 10:45 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Livestream Service

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Committal

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)

St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery

723 W Winona Rd SW, Alexandria, MN 56308

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 69

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree