Ruby Munson

Ruby Munson was born on May 15, 1924 to John and Gertie Tufte and passed away at Woodside Village in Grand Forks, North Dakota on March 6th, 2013. Ruby grew up on a farm in Clara Township and attended Cleveland School south of Brocket, North Dakota, graduating from Lakota High School in 1943. She worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company from 1943 to 1946 and married Merlin Munson on February 9, 1946. Ruby also worked in the activities area at the Good Samaritan Center in Lakota and taught Sunday School at Lakota Lutheran Church for several years.

Ruby is fondly remembered for her hard work, service to others, and being a "tireless giver". Throughout her life, she deeply loved her family and provided whatever care each family member needed. She and Merlin rented rooms to many young people across their time together, and Ruby made certain that their laundry was done and that a healthy breakfast was served to them each day. Ruby had many talents: she was a wonderful cook and baker; she cut hair, gave "perms", altered clothing for anyone in Lakota who needed it, without compensation; made clothes for her children; and managed to care for her parents until the end of their lives. She passed on her love for dogs to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ruby's primary recreation was having coffee with neighborhood friends, until she became a grandmother; throughout her life, she enjoyed crocheting for family and friends, near and far. She was known to play board games tirelessly with her grandsons and to care for them in the absence of their parents.

She is survived by her husband Merlin Munson (Grand Forks); her daughter Myrna Olson (Grand Forks); her son Kendall Munson (Minneapolis); her grandson Nathan Olson (Liz) (Grand Forks); her grandson Austin Winger (Grand Forks); and her great grandson Kellen (Grand Forks).

Family members who preceded her in death were her parents and a brother, Raymond Tufte.

The Funeral Service for Ruby will be held at Lakota Lutheran Church, Lakota, ND, on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Becky Horn. The organist will be Karen Fowler and the soloist will be Jason Flom. Interment will be in the spring at the Lakota Cemetery. The casketbearers will be Nathan Olson, Austin Winger, Tom Winger, Marvin Wigen, Rodney Stevens, and Norris Olson. The honorary bearers will be all of Ruby's friends. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Friday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.