Ruth Myhre

Ruth May Hanson was born on March 30, 1918 to Hans and Laura Hanson in Alexandria, Minnesota. Both of her parents loved music and singing. Papa played the guitar and Mama played the pump organ. They passed on this love of music to their daughter. Ruth’s papa died suddenly when she was only 13 years old. This was very hard for her.

Ruth went to school in Alexandria graduating from high school in 1936. She started working at Rice Hospital in Willmar first in housekeeping and then as a nurse’s aid. It was there she met the love of her life, her wonderful husband, Arling Myhre. They were married on December 20, 1947 in the Church of God in Willmar, MN. Ruth would say they were still on their honeymoon when he passed away suddenly in 2006.

Ruth took the LPN course and graduated with the first LPN class from Willmar Technical College in 1949. She worked at Rice Hospital and the Christian Nursing Home in Willmar until they moved to Alexandria in 1968. She was employed at Knute Nelson Nursing Home until she retired in 1984.

After retiring, she became an active volunteer at Knute Nelson. Her 1500 volunteer hours were spent visiting, helping residents paint and playing piano for the resident kitchen band.

In 1985, Ruth was the recipient of the Lion’s Club Health Care Award. When given this award, she was described as a “soft-spoken, pleasant person who shares her musical talent with residents and staff at the home. Her goal in life is to serve others and keep smiling.”

Arling and Ruth enjoyed camping in Montana and while there they loved looking for sapphires. The Myhre’s belonged to the Rolite Camping Club and enjoyed traveling with their Boston Terriers to many scenic places. They enjoyed hymn sings around the camp fire, fishing, their morning devotions, quiet times and prayerful concerns for others. Ruth played her organ for Mr. Myhre at home every evening. They attended Berea Lutheran Brethren Church of Alexandria.

In December, 2007, at almost 90 years of age, Ruth joined others in going on a mission trip to Mexico in 2007. They rode a bus for four days all the way. She played her kazoo and keyboard there and assisted with the programs.

Ruth moved to Bethel Manor in 2011. She enjoyed living there and attended weekly Bible Study, Sing Along and Chapel services when able. She played her keyboard and shared her music with others. She loved to have friends in for coffee.

Ruth passed to her heavenly home on September 23, 2018 at Alomere Hospital in Alexandria. She is survived by sister-in-law Doris Myhre Broberg, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Arling.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at the Berea Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Alexandria.  Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.  www.andersonfuneral.net