Ruth Grove

Ruth Josephine Schmidt was born November 20, 1915 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of William and Anna Marie (Carlson) Schmidt. She was raised and attended school in Minneapolis. Ruth graduated from North High School in 1934 and then attended the Minnesota School of Business. She worked for a time as a secretary. On February 21, 1939 Ruth was united in marriage to Stanley W. Grove at St. Petri Church in Minneapolis. The couple made their home in Minneapolis where they began their family. In 1950 Stanley?s work brought the family to Alexandria, MN where Ruth continue to raise her family. She worked for several years at the Grain Bin in Alexandria. After retiring in 1988 Ruth and Stanley moved to Fort Myers, FL to be closer to Ruth?s sisters. In 1992 Ruth and Stanley moved to Austin, TX to be close to their son, Jim. Shortly after this move Stanley died and as Ruth?s eyesight began to fail, due to macular degeneration, it was decided she would return to Alexandria to be near her other son, Bill. In 2000 Ruth suffered a stroke and spent eighteen months recuperating in Knute Nelson. In 2001 She became one of the first residents of Clearwater Suites in Alexandria where she has made her home for the last ten years. Ruth was always active in her church when she was able. She volunteered for several years as a visitor at the Knute Nelson home. In her earlier years she was an excellent seamstress. She did millinery work and tailoring for herself and her family. Clothing was important to Ruth and she always dressed sharply; she was rarely seen without a stylish hat. Her creative talents and artistry also allowed her to create and enjoy craftwork. On Friday, July 1, 2011 Ruth died at the age of ninety-five years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley W. Grove and two sisters, Mildred Rivers and Lillian Weir. Ruth is survived by her two sons, Jim Grove of Austin, TX and Bill Grove and wife, Sandy, of Alexandria; and two grandchildren, Cathy Barker and husband, Bob, and Dylan Grove. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, July 23, 2011 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Alexandria. Reverend Scott Keehn will officiate. Diane Alveshere and Kim Byrne will provide music. Interment will follow in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.