died on April 12, 2019, at NYE Legacy in Fremont, NE.
Ruth was born on August 7, 1921 near Correctionville, IA, to Fred Nelson and Ida (Leuhr) Nelson. She graduated from Waterbury High School in Waterbury, NE, where she was a cheerleader, and excelled in drawing and the arts. In later years, she took great delight in demonstrating the cheers for her granddaughters.
In August of 1944, Ruth married Ralph Knudsen in Rock Island, IL, where they spent two weeks as newlyweds before Ralph was sent to Europe to fight in World War II. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ruth promptly caught a train for California, where she became a real-life Rosie the Riveter, cutting blueprints and building struts for P-38 aircraft. She also trained as in her words a "beauty operator." She loved Fay Wray, rock and gem hunting, jewelry making, and the Kardashians, the latter of which mystified and amused her family to no end. Ruth and Ralph settled in Dakota City, NE after the war, where they raised three sons. Ruth
was many things during her life a wife, mother, friend, neighbor, and veritable bundle of energy. But most importantly, Ruth was loved, and she loved back. Fiercely.
Ruth is survived by sons Gordon and Dennis (Lorna) of Fremont, NE; son Roger (Jan) of Olathe,
KS; grandchildren Alison Knudsen (Karen Becker) of Lincoln, NE ; Emily Ridder (Matt) of Fremont; Kristin Maier and Lucas Maier of Lincoln. great-grandchildren Makenzie and Colin Ridder, Greyson Bornemeier, and Ryker Maier.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, 11am, April 23, at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Fremont, NE. (401 E. Military). Visitation will be an hour before the service at the church. A lunch/reception to follow the service. Burial will be at Memorial Park, Sioux City, IA at 3pm. Memorials are suggested to Salem Lutheran Church.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Roger Knudsen
Olathe, KS Thursday, April 25, 2019 "Hi mom", that's how I always greeted you and then would give you a hug! You and dad were awesome parents to Gordon, Dennis and I. You always tried to guide us down the correct road in life and tried to instill in us the tools, strength, character and faith to stay on that road and always come back to it if we detoured a bit. Your love of life, love of family and love in God never wavered. As I grow older, I also grow in my faith because of you. The memories are strong and ever-present. Until that time, Love you Mom!Denny Knudsen
fremont, NE Sunday, April 21, 2019 I miss you MOM. through JESUS we will be together again.. Thank you for all you have done for me, Lorna, Alison and Emily...We cherish your memories. We are all better for being in your life. God Bless you always...Lisa (Enstrom) Winckler
, NE Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Denny, Lorna, and family~I remember Ruth from Hansen family get-togethers. She was always such a delightful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marjorie Baker
Memphis, TN Sunday, April 14, 2019 Sending Heartfelt condolences for your loss and thanking you for this beautifully written obituary and picture. The photo stirs memories of when my mother, Henrietta Kroll, would take some of us kids with her to visit Ruth and Ralph. The obit confirms the many wonderful memories anyone who knew her has. God be with you during this difficult time.