Ruth Zwiers

Ruth Ann Ploeger was born in Ledyard, IA on May 5, 1939 to Fred and Hulda Ploeger. She grew up in Ledyard and attended Ledyard schools where she graduated from high school. Ruth furthered her education at Augsberg College and Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis. She graduated as a Registered Nurse. After graduation she worked as an RN at Deaconess Hospital for two years.

In 1962 Ruth was united in marriage to Lowell Zwiers. They lived in Minneapolis for two years. They later moved to Parkers Prairie, MN for a short time. The couple settled in Redwood Falls, MN where their children, Joy, John and Joel were born.

Ruth worked in surgery at the hospital during their time in Redwood Falls. In 1988 Ruth and her family moved a home on Lake Chippewa near Brandon, MN. Ruth worked at Knute Nelson in Alexandria until her retirement.

Ruth was an excellent nurse, good friend and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She cared for her developmentally challenged daughter, Joy for forty-two years. At birth, Joy was given two years to live, but through Ruth's love, medical knowledge and wisdom Joy's life was extended by forty more years.

Ruth enjoyed bible study groups and had a strong faith in her Savior. Ruth was a member of the Alexandria Covenant Church. She was a gourmet cook and also created many beautiful pieces of cross-stitching. Ruth was an avid reader and always had a book that she would love to share with others.

On Saturday, December 24, 2016 Ruth died at the age of seventy-seven years. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Joy; and sister, Carolyn Matta. Ruth is survived by her husband, Lowell Zwiers of Brandon; sons, John Zwiers and wife Patti, of Fergus Falls, MN and Joel Zwiers and wife, Jodi, of Nelson, MN; grandchildren, Zakary, Thomas and Natalie Zwiers and Jenna and Jered Zwiers; brother, Merritt Ploeger and wife, Jean, of Alexandria; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Nishiwaska of San Francisco, CA.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, December 30, 2016 at the Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria. Reverend John LeVahn will officiate. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Thursday at Anderson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at church.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.