Ruth M. Hatten

Ruth Hatten, 79, of Lakota, ND, spent her last days with her family and passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at Heather’s House hospice facility in Fargo, ND.

Born on July 16, 1946, in Devils Lake, ND, Ruth was the beloved daughter of James and June Stewart. She grew up in Southam, ND, and graduated from Crary High School. She married Neil Hatten on March 13, 1965, and moved to Devils Lake for a time before moving to Lakota in 1968. She worked for Devine Law Office for many years, was auditor for the city of Lakota, and worked several jobs in her “retirement” including one season in Medora. Along with her other jobs she ran Ruth Hatten Tax Service for over 30 years only fully retiring 2 years ago. She was an active member of the United Church of Christ and the Lakota American Legion Auxiliary. She volunteered her time for the Lakota Cemetery and many other local groups and organizations. She enjoyed traveling but never considered moving from her home in Lakota. In the end, the small town she had been so involved in over the years helped take care of her and allowed her to stay in her home. Nobody appreciated the friends and neighbors in a small town more than Ruth and she wanted to thank everyone for that.

Above all else, Ruth was dedicated to her family and friends. She was a devoted mother to Greg and Brenda and a loving grandmother to Bailey, Lindsey and Ethan. She enjoyed seeing them in Lakota or traveling wherever they were gathered. She enjoyed taking care of the house in Lakota she lived in for 49 years. As an avid Twins baseball fan, she seldom missed a game on tv or radio and attended many games at Target field over the years. Her life was a testament to faith, family, service, and resilience.

She is survived by son Greg, Bonita Springs, FL and daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Chad Vertin, Reiles Acres, ND. Grandchildren Bailey (John) Wood, Alexandria, KY, Lindsey Vertin, Fargo, ND and Ethan Vertin, Fargo, ND. Brothers, Jim (Karen) Stewart, Fargo, ND, Allen (Diane) Stewart, Milbank, SD and Roger (Janel) Stewart, Park Rapids, MN. Sisters-in-Law, Elaine Stewart, Fairmont, MN, Charlotte Burt, Devils Lake, ND and Marilyn (Leonard) Bachmeier, Wyoming, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Neil, brother Bob Stewart, and Sisters-in-law Joyce Severson, Peggy Eidsness and Monica Schill.

A celebration of her life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lakota Cemetery, HIA Hospice, or Cancer research organizations.

Her love, wisdom, and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.