Ruth Peterson

Ruth Jane Peterson, ​daughter of Herman and Nina (Magnuson) Michaelson was born on
August 26,1925 in Alexandria, Mn. She graduated from Central High School in the class of 1943
and continued her education at the Duluth Business University. Ruth returned to Alexandria to
marry her high school sweetheart, Clifford “Punt” Peterson, on July 9, 1948. They had 2
children, Marcia Jane and Thomas Clifford.

Ruth’s first loves were her Lord, her family and her church. She was baptized in 1934 at First
Baptist Church in Alexandria. She began playing piano for church services and weddings at the
age of 15. Ruth continued to play organ and piano at First Baptist Church and Grace Church for
decades. She provided countless special memories by providing music for family and friends at
weddings, funerals, Sunday services and other special occasions.

Besides her musical talents, Ruth worked as the church secretary and helped with many church
activities over the years. She worked as a legal secretary for various law firms in the area and
taught at the Alexandria Area Technical College for over 15 years, teaching legal secretarial and
other classes. Ruth also enjoyed her time as a member of P.E.O. chapter EL along with other
community activities.

Ruth’s family was always a priority. Her heart belonged to Clifford for over 67 years. Together
they enjoyed family time on Lake Carlos and wintering in Scottsdale, Arizona for many years.
Ruth loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, praying for
them and her extended family every night. She will forever be remembered as a wonderful
prayer warrior.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Marcia (Owen) Peterson of Saint Cloud, her son, Thomas
(Lori) Peterson of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren, Christian (Angela) Peterson and Meggie
(Jonathan) Solorzano of Gilbert, AZ, Kara (Mike) Schroeder of Ham Lake, MN and Stacy (CJ)
VanSluytman of Pittsburgh,PA; great grandchildren, Chloe and Benjamin Peterson, Starla,
Tristian, and Autumn VanSluytman and Anna, Peter, and James Schroeder, her brother-in-law
and sister-in-law Dick and Phyllis Peterson of Windsor, CO and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Clifford, twin brothers and their wives,
John and Nancy Michaelson and Jim and Barbara Michaelson.

Ruth died on Sunday, her favorite day of the week, December 16, 2018. A memorial service will
be held on Thursday January 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Grace Church in Alexandria. Visitation will
be held 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.