Ruth Beecher

Ruth R. Beecher, 76, a resident of Battle Lake, died Sunday, November 22, 2009, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. She was born December 12, 1932, in Grand Forks, ND, the daughter of Millard and Sarah (Oien) Ranstad. She grew up and attended school in Battle Lake, graduating from Battle Lake High School in 1950. She attended the University of Minnesota Duluth for two years following high school. On August 10, 1952, she married Gayle H. Beecher in Battle Lake. They made their home in Battle Lake where they raised their children. Ruth enjoyed baking, bowling and working with textile crafts. Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Thomas Ranstad and a brother-in-law, Theodore Jacobson. She is survived by her husband, Gayle Beecher, of Battle Lake; children, Steven Beecher of Stillwater and Ellen (Kevin) Reierson of Farmington; grandchildren, Benjamin Reierson of Seattle, WA and Alexander Reierson of Farmington; a sister, Carolyn Jacobson of Seattle, WA; three sisters-in-law, Betty Lou (Lowell) Bartz of Billings, MT, Sandra (Mark) Larson of Havre, MT and Roxie Bachman of Sebeka; two nieces, Julie Jacobson of Seattle, WA and Mary Kujawa of Shoreview and a nephew, Bob Ranstad of Minneapolis. A private family memorial service was held. Arrangements were by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Condolences may be sent online to www.olsonfuneralhome.com