Scotia Paulson

Scotia Ruth Townsend was born April 24, 1924 in Leven Township, MN the daughter of David Daniel and Agnes Mae (Adolphsen) Townsend. She was raised and schooled at Villard, MN. Following high school Ruth attended normal school in Glenwood, MN. On February 17, 1945 Ruth was united in marriage to Irvin Paulson at her father?s home in Alexandria, MN. The couple was blessed with three children, David, Donna and Beverly. Ruth began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse on Gene?s Barn Rd. where she taught grades 1 through 8. In the early 1960?s Ruth taught grades 5 & 6 at Garfield Schools. When the district merged with Alexandria District 206, Ruth began teaching fourth grade at Washington Elementary School in Alexandria. Ruth retired from teaching in the late 1980?s. Ruth worked to maintain herself as a professional throughout her career. Always making herself presentable and adding a bit of class to her life was important to her. Ruth enjoyed teaching and learning; she received her master?s degree in education from St. Cloud State in the early 1970?s. Following her retirement she and Irv enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, they made several trips to visit their family. When she was younger, Ruth volunteered her time to the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. Ruth also enjoyed visiting with people, playing cards and sewing and crocheting. She was active in her circle at Calvary Lutheran Church and liked to attend bible studies at church. Ruth was also active in the Retired Educators association. On Thursday, June 12, 2008 Ruth died at the age of eighty-four years. Her brother, George Townsend, preceded her in death. Ruth is survived by her husband, Irvin Paulson of Parkers Prairie, MN; one son, David Paulson of Monticello, MN; two daughters, Donna and husband, Reg Ripperger, of Tulsa, OK and Beverly and husband, Tim Palmer, of Naples, FL; six grandchildren, Ross Paulson, Andrea Paulson, Grant Paulson, Gregory Ripperger, Elizabeth ?Lisa? Ripperger and Brent Ripperger; one brother, Max Townsend of Alexandria; sister, Aileen Gerdes of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Rev. Mark Astrup officiated. Sonny Osterberg and Sandy Buckner provided music. Interment followed in Oscar Lake Lutheran Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers included Oliver Anderson, Eugene Oswald, Cheryl Chan, Wendy Hyath, Allen Gerdes and Robert Roiland. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.