Ruth Van Brunt

Ruth Alvina Van Brunt, 97, of Gilmanton, entered eternal life on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at the American Lutheran Home, in Mondovi.
She was born to Charles J. and Alvinia (Heike) Schultz on July 22, 1919. She grew up on her parents’ farm two miles south of Gilmanton. Ruth was baptized on Sept. 14, 1919, and confirmed on May 5, 1935, both at Gilmanton Lutheran Church. She was married to Ross Van Brunt on Sept. 14, 1941, in Louisville, Ky. They made their first home in Detroit, Mich., and then moved to the Gilmanton area, where much of Ruth’s married life was working aside Ross in farming. She also worked seasonal jobs at Huntsingers, the canning factory, and babysitting. She also worked at the Arcadia “box factory” before earning her CNA certification. Ruth worked as a CNA at the current American Lutheran Home, in Mondovi, for 10 years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Gilmanton, for nearly all of her life. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for decades. She also enjoyed the sewing group there and was a member of the Dorcas Society. She made many quilts for her family, organized photo albums for grandchildren, and researched genealogy and Gilmanton history.
Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Gloria (Cedric) Brantner of Durand, Carolyn (Gary) Kaiser of Elk Mound; seven grandchildren, Darren, Terri, Tammi, Denise, Deanna, Jolene, and Jason; 10 great-grandchildren, Cheyann, Shauna, Lenny, Sekora, Mason, Garret, Eve, Mandi, Logan, and Dominick; one great-great-granddaughter, Ellie Bollinger; twin sister, Ruby Aase; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ross, in 1977; son, Darrell, in 2016; parents; six siblings and in-laws, Olinda (Ted) Fimreite, Elmer (LeAnna) Schultz, Irvin (Helen) Schultz, Freida (M.L.) Nyre, Erhardt (Florence) Schultz, Ella Larson, Clarence Aase, Glen (Doris) Van Brunt.
Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Gilmanton, with Pastor Paul Woebbeking presiding. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Durand.
Memorials are preferred to Lutheran Hour Ministries “The Lutheran Hour,” 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, M) 63141.
Goodrich Funeral Home, Durand, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.goodrichfh.com.