Ruth E. Hurst, age 100 of Grafton, ND and formerly of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
Ruth E. Christianson was born November 22, 1923 in Bathgate, ND the daughter of the late Edwin and Emma (Eisbrenarner) Christianson. The family lived on a farm west of St. Thomas until Ruth was nine and they moved into town. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at St. Thomas High School. She attended teachers college in Minot, ND and received her teaching certificate. Ruth returned home and taught school for one year in Bathgate. Ruth was united in marriage to Walter Byron Hurst on September 11, 1943 in Santa Anna, CA where Walter was serving in the Marine Corps. Following his discharge the couple returned to St. Thomas where Walter was the Standard Oil Distributor. Ruth worked as a Resident Living Center Supervisor at the Life Skills and Transition Center in Grafton for a number of years.
Ruth was a member of the former St. John’s Lutheran Church of St. Thomas, ND and quilters group, the Order of Eastern Star, St. Thomas American Legion Aux., and the Unity Hospital Auxiliary in Grafton. She served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts. Walter, Ruth and Kristi received a plaque from the St. Thomas school for all the sporting events they supported over the many years.
Ruth is survived by her children: Marcia Stuve (Kenny Spandl), Staples, MN; Warren (Marie) Hurst, St. Thomas, ND; Jeana (Timothy) Carlson, Healdsburg, CA; Robert (Kristi) Hurst, Lake Anna, VA; Norman (Lisa Oby) Hurst, St. Thomas, ND; Kent (Karen) Hurst, New Richmond, WI; daughter-in-law, Marilynn Hurst, Webb City, MO; 20 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sisters: Betty Rappuhn, Fargo, ND; Carol Prigge, Babbit, MN; Eva Russum, Ft. Myers, FL; Linda Talbot, Coeur d'Alene, ID several nieces and nephews also survive .She was preceded in death by her parents, husband on December 13, 2002; her sons: Walter Jr and Richard; daughter, Kristi Kay; three brothers: Richard, Donald and Vernon, her sister Jean and grandson Christian.
Funeral services will be Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church of St. Thomas, ND. Visitation will be Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at St. Thomas City Cemetery in the spring.
Ruth E. Christianson was born November 22, 1923 in Bathgate, ND the daughter of the late Edwin and Emma (Eisbrenarner) Christianson. The family lived on a farm west of St. Thomas until Ruth was nine and they moved into town. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at St. Thomas High School. She attended teachers college in Minot, ND and received her teaching certificate. Ruth returned home and taught school for one year in Bathgate. Ruth was united in marriage to Walter Byron Hurst on September 11, 1943 in Santa Anna, CA where Walter was serving in the Marine Corps. Following his discharge the couple returned to St. Thomas where Walter was the Standard Oil Distributor. Ruth worked as a Resident Living Center Supervisor at the Life Skills and Transition Center in Grafton for a number of years.
Ruth was a member of the former St. John’s Lutheran Church of St. Thomas, ND and quilters group, the Order of Eastern Star, St. Thomas American Legion Aux., and the Unity Hospital Auxiliary in Grafton. She served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts. Walter, Ruth and Kristi received a plaque from the St. Thomas school for all the sporting events they supported over the many years.
Ruth is survived by her children: Marcia Stuve (Kenny Spandl), Staples, MN; Warren (Marie) Hurst, St. Thomas, ND; Jeana (Timothy) Carlson, Healdsburg, CA; Robert (Kristi) Hurst, Lake Anna, VA; Norman (Lisa Oby) Hurst, St. Thomas, ND; Kent (Karen) Hurst, New Richmond, WI; daughter-in-law, Marilynn Hurst, Webb City, MO; 20 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sisters: Betty Rappuhn, Fargo, ND; Carol Prigge, Babbit, MN; Eva Russum, Ft. Myers, FL; Linda Talbot, Coeur d'Alene, ID several nieces and nephews also survive .She was preceded in death by her parents, husband on December 13, 2002; her sons: Walter Jr and Richard; daughter, Kristi Kay; three brothers: Richard, Donald and Vernon, her sister Jean and grandson Christian.
Funeral services will be Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church of St. Thomas, ND. Visitation will be Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at St. Thomas City Cemetery in the spring.