Ruth M. DeLunger, age 88, of Bricelyn, died Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Parkview Care Center in Wells, MN.  A Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 10, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, MN at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  Pastor Matthew Lorfeldt will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth, MN.  Please see brussheitner.com to leave an online condolence.  Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

     Ruth was born February 17,1933, the daughter of William & Lena Bauer. Upon graduating from Blue Earth High School, she took a job as a telephone operator. She fell in love with Darrel Walton and they were married March 8,1952 while he was stationed in Georgia in the Army.  Upon returning from active duty, they bought a farm near Bricelyn and started farming.  Even though Ruth grew up in the city, she learned to work alongside her husband in farming.  Ruth loved being a mother of 2 sons and a housewife.  She could be found crocheting, knitting, sewing or cooking.  Her kitchen was always welcoming visitors with something freshly baked.

     In 1988, Darrel died unexpectedly and Ruth found herself a young widow.  She started a new career as the manager at the Bricelyn Senior Citizen Center.  A mutual friend introduced Ruth to a man named Forrest.  It was love at first sight and they were married May 27, 1990. They enjoyed each other’s company and the time they spent traveling. Ruth faithfully attended and supported all the grandkids events. As the grandkids went off to college, she had a well stocked open pantry for the kids.

     Through the last 15 years Ruth endured many challenging health issues including pancreatic cancer and breast cancer. Her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren kept her strong and motivated to keep fighting.

     Ruth is survived by her husband Forrest; sons: Mark (Darla), Scott (Bonita); grandchildren Christina (Ryan), Melinda (Brian), Nathaniel (Katie), David (Jade), Zachary (Jessica), Aaron (Tricia), Rachel (Lance); 14 great grandchildren (2 more on their way); sisters-in-law: Bea Volz, Denise Bauer; Forrest’s children; David, Bruce, Karen (Steve), Scott, Brian (Trista)

     Preceded in death by: husband Darrel Walton; parents William & Lena Bauer; sister Margaret (Elmer) Lehman; brother Don Bauer.