Funeral Services for Ruth M. Ashby, age 101, of Luverne, MN, formally of Magnolia, MN, was held Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Luverne, MN with Pastor Kristi Franken officiating. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne, MN. Ruth died peacefully on Friday, May 11, 2018 at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage
Ruth Margaret Ashby was born to Henry and Mary (Campbell) Vogt on a farm in Nobles County, MN on September 12, 1916. Ruth, her four sisters and one brother all were baptized on the farm place in 1925. She was raised on the farm and attended Westside Township, Nobles County, and District 64 country schools. She enjoyed playing softball as a teenager. After Ruth completed normal training in Luverne, she began teaching at District 50 and later District 64, where she continued to teach for five years and coached both girls and boys softball teams. Ruth played and coached softball until she was age 47. On December 31, 1937 she was united in marriage to Howard Wesley Ashby in Adrian, MN. Following their marriage they lived and farmed in Westside Township of Nobles County, MN where they raised their two sons and worked the land. Ruth was an active partner in the farming operation with Howard. She helped with the field work and drove the tractors. In 1991 the couple retired from farming and moved to Luverne, MN. On November 18, 2007 Howard died, just a month short of their seventieth anniversary. Ruth moved into the Oaks apartments in 2012 and in 2014 moved into Poplar Creek. She became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in January 2018. In April, Ruth entered the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage where on Friday, May 11, 2018 she went to be with her Lord at the age of 101 years, seven months and 29 days.
Ruth was a member of the Magnolia United Methodist Church. She was active in the United Methodist Adult Fellowship Club and the Women’s Society. She taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She was also a member of the Rock County Extension Club. She enjoyed doing crafts, playing croquet, all types of cards, and watching the Minnesota Twins. She was an avid bowler and member of the women’s bowling league. Some of her favorite times were spent at reunions, birthday parties, the New Year’s Eve party and various card parties. Ruth and Howard began going to Texas in the winter of 1979. At first just for a few weeks and eventually they spent four months in Texas for a few winters. Ruth especially liked to visit friends, travel and spend time at home and church. After her retirement, and as soon her grandson, Chris was old enough to participate in sports; Ruth became an avid sports fan. Grandma Ruth enjoyed attending all his soccer, wrestling, track, baseball, football and the basketball games.
She is lovingly remembered by her son, Gene (Barb) Ashby of Luverne, MN; a sister, June Nath of Luverne, MN; and 33 nieces and nephews; 94 great-nieces and great-nephews; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Howard; son, Melvin Ashby; beloved grandson, Chris Ashby; her parents; three sisters, Edna Wieck, Dorothy Smeins and Virginia Schei; a brother, Raymond Vogt; a sister-in-law, Ann Vogt; and four brothers-in-law, Lester Wieck, Art Smeins, William Nath and Alfred Schei.
