In Loving Memory
Ruth M. Andersen
March 24, 1926 - September 5, 2019

SERVICE
Saturday, October 5, 2019
10:30 A.M.
United Methodist Church
West Bend, Iowa

Ruth Marie (Wilson) Andersen, daughter of Raymond George and Lydia Margaret (Schmidt) Wilson was born in West Bend, Iowa, on March 24, 1926. She attended school in and graduated from West Bend High School in 1944. Ruth continued her education by attending Mankato Community College. She was employed at Kerber Milling Company in Emmetsburg.

She met the love of her life, Gorden Andrew Andersen, after he returned home from serving in the United States Navy. They enjoyed going to dances at the Plantation, Surf, and other ballrooms in the area. On May 7, 1947, Ruth and Gorden were united in marriage at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They settled in West Bend to raise their family.

Ruth and Gorden went into business with her dad, Raymond G. Wilson, and went on to own and manage Wilson's Hardware for 43 years. Ruth also managed a top notch household of five children, a large garden, and many community projects and organizations. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the West Bend Drama Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Calico Country Quilters, and the West Bend Chamber of Commerce in addition to supporting Gorden with his many organizations and activities. Ruth enjoyed her family, traveling, dancing, cooking, needle crafts, and giving the Bible study at the West Bend Care Center. She also loved being outdoors in the garden, playing golf, bicycling, and fishing with Gorden. She had a strong faith and was an inspiration to family and friends.

Ruth passed away September 5, 2019, at the Ruthven Community Care Center

After a full and happy life of 93 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her dear husband, Gorden Andrew Andersen, daughter-in-law, Jan Andersen (Spencer) and Danish exchange student, Bente Meilvang. She is survived by her sister, Esty Steil (Mike), her children Steven Andersen (Cinde) of Fairmont, MN; Cheryl Graff (Gene) of Green Valley, AZ; Bruce Andersen (Kathy) of Ruthven, IA; Tom Andersen of Rolfe, IA, and Nancy Hoffman (Bob) of West Des Moines, IA, nine grandchildren Dana, Dylan, Grace, Jeremiah, Joshua, Theron, Mandy, Andrew, and Adam; ten great-grandchildren Seth, Rayven , Ryan, Cecilia, Elsa, Evelyn, Mercedes, Wyatt, Andersen, and Adrian; as well as many other relatives and friends.