Ruth Williams

Ruth Irene Dorothy (Bartz) Boyd Williams was born April 28, 1921 in Alexandria, MN to Rev. Albert and Bertha (Schuneman) Bartz. She was baptized and confirmed by her father at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Ruth attended Zion Parochial School and graduated from Central High School. Upon graduation she attended St. Cloud State University and Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Ruth taught school in Edgerton, MN; Oshkosh, WI; and Alexandria, MN. Ruth was united in marriage to John Raiter Boyd and the couple were blessed with two children, Robert and Nancy. The couple lived on Lake Carlos and were married for 27 years. John died on December 16, 1972. Ruth later married, Luther Hallam Williams and they lived in Fort Walton Beach, FL for 22 years. Luther died on March 13, 2004. Ruth then returned to and lived in Alexandria, MN until her death. Ruth was a very accomplished musician as she played the principal viola in the Northwest Florida Symphony for 18 years and also played in the Pensacola Symphony for 5 years. She played in string quartets for weddings and community affairs. Ruth also played with the Methodist and Baptist orchestras in Florida and was a member of the Euterpean Club. She was active with Zion Lutheran Church, as she played organ for 25 years, directed senior choir for 15 years and the junior choir for 5 years. She was president and member of Zion Ladies Aid for 27 years, taught religion Released Time classes for 15 years and taught Vacation Bible School for 8 years. Ruth was also a member of the Women?s Club and PEO Chapter AO. Ruth had a passion for music and travel. One of the happiest times in her life was camping in a tent with Luther, and traveling all states and Canada many times. She really enjoyed seeing the beautiful mountains and wild animals where she felt so close to God. Most important to Ruth were her children and she states: ?They were so special and loving to me?. Ruth died on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at Clearwater Suites in Alexandria at the age of 86. She is survived by her two children, Robert Boyd of Minnetonka, MN and Nancy (Boyd) Starewicz of Valparaiso, IN, two grandsons, Chris Gielow and Chad Starewicz; one granddaughter, Nicole Starewicz; brothers, Harold Bartz of Alexandria and Rev. Herb Bartz of Sunnyvale, CA; and brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Magel) Boyd of Alexandria. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Albert and Bertha Bartz; husbands, John Boyd and Luther Williams. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Terry Finnern officiating. Memorials maybe made to Clearwater Suites in Alexandria. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.