Ruth Braaten

Ruth was born on April 1, 1927 to Julius and Clarice (Haugen) Versdahl in Rural Leonard, ND. She grew up and attended school in Garborg Township , near Wyndmere and graduated from Wyndmere High School . She went on to receive her teacher's certificate at Valley City Teacher's College and then returned to teach in her home area.

Ruth was united in marriage to Klinton Braaten on December 27, 1947 and to this marriage were born five sons. They farmed in Wyndmere Township where Ruth helped with the farming. She was church organist for Wyndmere Lutheran Church for many years. In 1971, they moved into Wyndmere where Ruth became a Tupperware consultant and continued to raise foster children and provide boarding for local teachers. In 1984, Ruth moved to Fargo , ND and worked as an administrative assistant for Clay-Wilkin Opportunity Council and for Experience Works. She worked until she was 79 years old.

Ruth was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Fargo where she was known for the brownies that she baked for the blood drives. She loved playing the organ, reading, and a good joke. She also enjoyed crocheting and made over 500 name doilies for families and kept track of each one of them. Ruth loved each one of "her boys" and enjoyed being with their families.

Ruth is survived by her five sons: David (Peggy) Braaten, Hankinson, ND, Larry (Judy) Braaten, Burnsville, MN, Kevin (Debra) Braaten, Andover, MN, Paul (Sharon) Braaten, Lees Summit, MO, Don (Colleen) Braaten, Lakeville, MN; her 14 grandchildren; her 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Clarice Versdahl; her granddaughter, Amy Braaten; her great-grandson, Logan Hepper; and her sister, Esther Rude.