Ruth E. Wilson

Ruth Elaine Wilson - Rochester Ruth Elaine (Sorensen) Wilson, 85, of Rochester passed away peacefully at Madonna Towers on Friday, March 11, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Kenneth Wilson andis survived by herfive children, Beth (Geoffrey) Wilson-Gittleson of Milford Connecticut, Paul (Wendy) Wilson of Eden Prairie Minnesota, Kristen (Erik) Wilson-Weiberg of Seattle Washington, Stephen Wilson of Roseville Minnesota and Robert (Priscilla) Wilson of Fall Creek Wisconsin, as wellas eleven grandchildren (Michael, Bryan, Forrest, Anders, Ellie, Grace, Henrik,Audrey, Peter, Camille and Ben),three great grandchildren (Nathan, Soren and Graham), andher sister, Martha Sterner.She is also survived by several cousins, including Ron (Cathy) Hagen of Rochester and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was born in Lincoln Nebraska, the daughter of Martin and Martha (Reimann) Sorensen.She graduated from the University of Nebraska and taught high school home economics in Blair Nebraska. After her marriage to Kenneth, she resided in Columbus Nebraska, Rochester Minnesota, and Fairfield Connecticut where she raised a family. In addition to being a homemaker, Ruth worked as a medical secretary for the American Red Cross, owned and managed Dorothys Kitchenettes in Rochester with her husband, and was an active church member at Trinity Lutheran, Our Saviors Lutheran and Zumbro Lutheran Churches. Ruths interests included gardening, walking, bird watching, music, traveling, square dancing, and corresponding with Danish and German relatives in their native languages.She particularly enjoyed singing and playing bells in the church choirs and playing her violin in musical ensembles with sisters, Greta and Martha. We will remember Ruths generous, kind hearted and compassionate nature. She had a warm wit and loved laughter. She enjoyed people and put many smiles on the faces of family, friends and strangers alike. Ruths family thanks Madonna Towers and Mayo Clinic / Hospice staff for their care and kindness. A memorial service will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester on Monday, April 25, 2016, at11:00 a.m. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, Madonna Towers, and Zumbro Lutheran Church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com