Ruth Nadine Lange, age 89 of Perham, MN (formerly of Cottonwood, MN), was called to her heavenly home on February 9, 2023. After a long hard battle with cancer and other illnesses, Ruth died in her home under the care of Hospice and surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held Tues, Feb 14 at 11:00 am at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, MN. Visitation at Calvary Lutheran will be on Monday, February 13, 4:00 – 7:00 pm and Tuesday February 14, 10:00 – 11:00.
Ruth was born in Jeffers, MN, on January 24, 1934, to Earl and Rhoda (Knott) Barker. She graduated from Jeffers Public High School and married Merle Lange on February 17, 1952, at United Methodist Church in Jeffers, MN. This was the beginning of a marriage and friendship that carried them through hardships and happiness.
Early in their marriage, Ruth and Merle farmed together in southern Minnesota and later started Lange’s Family Restaurant in Cottonwood, MN. When they moved to Ottertail, Ruth worked at the Perham Hospital in the dietary department. They opened their home as Wildwood Flower Bed & Breakfast, and also owned Dent Lakes Granite.
Ruth had many hobbies, but sewing was her favorite. As a young mother she made her children’s clothes and later in life made quilts for her family and church. Her many talents included crafting, baking, painting, writing stories and songs all which created many fond memories.
Not busy enough with their own six kids, Ruth and Merle became foster parents, providing a home for infants through teens, some of whom remained in touch with the family through adulthood.
Later in life, Ruth particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, working on puzzles, and playing Farkle with family and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Merle, grandson, Glen Lange, her parents and brothers, Kenneth, Delbert and Eugene (Bumps) Barker.
She will be greatly missed by friends and family; children Ellen Lenz (John); Mike Lange (Liz) Deer Creek; Mark Lange (Patty) Longville; Lori Kuebelbeck (Chuck) Cold Spring; Lisa Schoolmeester, (David) Marshall; Mary Beth Muszynski (John) Perham, and 19 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.
Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Ruth’s Tribute Wall.
Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills, Minnesota.
