Ruth Ostern

Ruth Ann (Gutzmer) Ostern, 77, Wahpeton, ND, went to be with the Lord on, Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at her home under the care of Hospice. A Prayer Service will be held, 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 27, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton with Rev. Jule’ Ballinger officiating. Visitation will be from 1 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Wahpeton. Arrangements are entrusted with Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Ruth was born May 28, 1940 on a farm near Dwight, ND, to Otto and Martha (Doleshy) Gutzmer. Ruth grew up in Everdell, MN, attending school through eighth grade, she later obtained her GED. Ruth married Merlin Christianson on June 20, 1959, Marlin passed away June 23, 1964 from an automobile accident. Ruth and her family have lived in the Wahpeton area.

Ruth’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She listened more than she spoke and gave more than she received. She was patient, forgiving and unfailingly kind. She was also known for her “green thumb” and loved gardening. Ruth was a licensed child care provider in her home and later did house cleaning in family homes in Wahpeton before retiring. Her family and friends loved her dearly and will miss her desperately.

Ruth is survived by her three children: Bruce (Linda) Christianson, Wahpeton, ND; Dean (Sherri) Christianson, rural Breckenridge, MN; and Deb (Tim) Spatzier, Billings, MT; two sisters, Leona “Lee” Walker, Bismarck, ND; Carol (Deak) Deaton, Prineville, OR; five grandchildren, three great grandchildren with one on the way.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Merlin Christianson, five brothers, Eugene “Gene”, Gordon “Johnnie”, Warren “Pete”, Dennis “Butch” and Richard “Dick” Gutzmer.

“Mom - thank you for providing those rare moments in life when time stands still and for the contagious joy you spread to everyone around you!”