Ruth Anderson

Ruth L. Anderson, 87, peacefully departed this life at MedCenter One on August 18, 2003 at 5:30 PM. Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at Charity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with the Rev. Robert Nordvall officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM in the Garrison City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, Friday, at Eastgate Funeral Service where the family will greet visitors from 4:00 to 7:00. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. She was born Ruth Calkins in Garrison, ND on September 21, 1915. She attended Garrison schools and went on to attend Minot State Teacher's College. After college Ruth taught grade school in several rural schools. She married Wallace Anderson in 1937 and they had 2 sons. After several years of owning and operating a small store in the Shell Creek area west of Garrison the family moved to Falkirk, ND in 1944 where they owned and operated Falkirk Lumber and Supply until 1958. During this time Ruth was active in the Washburn First Lutheran Church and the Eastern Star. In the early 60's Ruth moved to Bismarck. Always artistic and talented, Ruth became a recognized china painter. She painted beautifully and taught many china painters in her own studio. Ruth also had a love and appreciation for travel and she visited the entire USA as well as a large part of Europe, Egypt, South America and the Galapagos Islands. For a period of 15 years she often wintered in Mesa/Scottsdale, AZ and in 1988 she moved to Scottsdale. In 1994 she departed Arizona and permanently returned to her Bismarck home. At the time of her death she resided at St. Vincent?s Care Center in Bismarck where she was happy, content and loved by all who knew her. Ruth is survived and will be missed by her two sons, Terry W. Anderson, Bismarck and Dr. Richard Anderson and his wife Trisha of Scottsdale, AZ; seven grandchildren, Ellen Anderson Hajek, Arlington Heights, IL, Gregory W. Anderson, St. Paul, MN, David L. Anderson, Scottsdale, AZ, Stephanie L. Anderson, St. Paul, MN, Kelly L. Anderson Reifsteck, Golden Valley, MN, Steven M. Anderson, Broomfield, CO, Jill J. Anderson, Scottsdale; AZ, and four great-grandchildren, Andrew and Caroline Hajek and Devin and Justin Reifsteck. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Elaine Sahli and Betty Heiber; one brother, George Calkins; friends Judy Anderson and Rosie Anderson; and numerous nephews and nieces. The family requests that memorials be given to Alzheimer's research in Ruth's name.

Ruth Anderson

September 21, 1915 - August 18, 2003