Ruth Flemmer

Ruth Flemmer, 88, Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, formerly of 507 S. 8th St., Bismarck, died April 25, 2008. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:00 AM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Dale Nabben officiating. Burial will be at New Glueckstal Cemetery in Glen Ullin. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Ruth was born on December 21, 1919, the eldest child of Mary and Christ Flemmer. She was raised in Mercer County on the family farm that was homesteaded by her parents, and attended rural schools near Beulah. After completing her education, Ruth moved to Bismarck and began a long employment in the dietary department of MedCenter One, formerly Bismarck Hospital. She retired in 1989. In all she did, Ruth had a direct, no-nonsense, "say it like it is" approach. To those who knew Ruthie well, she was a gracious, kind and gentle spirit who loved family and her little pals, Mitzi, Calvin and Winnie dearly. Over the years, Ruth shared many special memories including early life on the prairie, growing up during the Depression, Fourth of July trips to the circus, crazy escapades of her three brothers, her deep bond to her sister Mabel, dancing at the Sheep Shed or Jerry's Supper Club as a young woman, road trips with various beaus, seeing Elvis perform live several times, the 5Ks, trips to the lake with her sister-in-law Vi, and her favorite family recipes. In addition, her hobbies included trips to various casinos, playing bingo Ruth not only could play 8-16 cards but also tell nearby players if they missed a number, and gardening "pitzing in the dirt". Many of Ruthie's poppies, bleeding heart, lilies, yellow buttercups, and raspberries have found their way into gardens of friends and family across North Dakota and Minnesota; a lasting reminder of a special lady. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; beloved sister, Mabel; and brothers, Walter, Clarence and Raymond. Survivors include sisters-in-law, Violet Whalen and Mavis Hoffman; brother-in-law, Joseph Kuntz; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and extended family. The family thanks all the staff of Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for the wonderful, loving care she received. Memorials are preferred to either the Bismarck Humane Society or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, both of which Ruth supported generously throughout the years. "Ich liebe dich."

Ruth Flemmer

December 21, 1919 - April 25, 2008