Ruth Helen Belling Stensrud

Funeral services for Ruth Stensrud, 92, of Cottonwood, will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 2:00 PM at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in rural Cottonwood, with a visitation taking place one hour prior at the church. Interment will take place at the church cemetery. Ruth Helen Stensrud was born on October 18, 1926, the daughter of Herman and Olga (Rigge) Belling of rural Cottonwood. Ruth graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1944 and married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Stensrud on October 22, 1944. This union was blessed with four children, Susan, Steven, Stanley and Sandra. In 1946, Vernon was drafted into the Army and served in Japan. During this time, Ruth worked at North Star Insurance. Ruth’s favorite job though was being a wife and mother to her children. She was a supportive mom, whom always looked after her family. Ruth’s nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren were added joys to her life. When Ruth was not taking care of her family, she was devoted to her church, being a part of various groups over the years. Ruth always had a cat or two that lived with her over the years, enjoying their quiet companionship. Ruth’s independent spirit and compassion will be dearly missed by many. Ruth passed away peacefully on Friday, May, 10, 2019 at the Minneota Manor. She is survived by her children Susan Ackerman, Steve (Mary Jean) Stensrud, Stan (Conni) Stensrud, and Sandra Torke; grandchildren Debbie (Tony) Lavalle, Jill (Joe) Zenner, Jim Ackerman, Laurie Ackerman, Jason (Naomi) Stensrud, Jessica (Scott) Wernimont, Preston (Crystal) Stensrud, Skyler (Katie) Stensrud, and Justin Torke; great-grandchildren Mark, Hunter, Patrick, Jenna, Morgan, Jorgetta, LeeAnn, Emmy, Colter, Dalten, Shelten, Payten, Keygan, Asher, and Beckett. She is preceded in death by her husband Vernon in 1986; parents Herman and Olga Belling; brothers Arden and Marvin Belling; sons-in-law Joe Ackerman and Bruce Torke; and sister-in-law June Belling. Memorials are preferred to St. Lucas Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.