Ruth Melby

Ruth J. Melby, 84, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday morning, May 10, 2007, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. She was born August 21, 1922, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, the daughter of Beatrice Hook. She graduated from the Goodridge High School. Ruth married Adelbert Hesse and they had two daughters, Shirley and Sharyl. On October 21, 1951, Ruth married Morris Melby at Trinity Lutheran Church in Glenwood, MN. Together they lived in Glenwood and Kensington before moving to Fergus Falls in 1952. She was a member of the Eastern Star, and the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries. She went to work for the State Hospital in Fergus Falls in 1966 and continued there until her retirement on June 29, 1987. Through the years Ruth has enjoyed sewing, going to a good rummage sale or auction, and cooking for her family. As well, she was fond of doing crossword puzzles and looking for new ideas in recipe books. Preceding her in death were her mother; her husband, Morris; an infant daughter, Ronalee; and two grandchildren. Ruth is survived by her children, Morralee "Molly" Leinen of Fergus Falls, Ronald of Richville, Donald of Gresham, Oregon, Richard of Minneapolis, Sharyl Sunsdahl of Warroad and Shirley Dahlen of Goodridge; 13 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. No services are being planned. Assistance has been provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.