Ruth Faye Jenson, age 84, of Grand Forks, ND, died on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND after a heroic battle with bone cancer.
Ruth was born September 11, 1939 to Clarence and Helen (Best) Jenson in Fordville where she grew up. A member of Fordville Lutheran Church; Ruth graduated from Fordville High School in 1957 after which she attended Mayville State to earn a two-year elementary teaching certificate. She and her good friend, Ruby Fronk, then began their teaching careers in Sherwood, ND. Ruth also taught in Zeeland and Fessenden, ND, before returning to Mayville State for a bachelor’s degree in education. Ruth’s next teaching destination was Milnor, ND in 1976 where she again taught second grade. During her 21 years at Milnor, Ruth was privileged to teach her three nephews, Brent, Brian and Brad.
After retiring in 1996, Ruth returned to Fordville to live with her mother Helen after her father died. They moved to Grand Forks where Ruth has resided since 1997.
Ruth enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching TV, going to country music concerts, shopping and traveling to sites like Hawaii and Graceland. An ardent Elvis fan, Ruth attended his live concert in Las Vegas. After retiring, Ruth became a doll collector with more than a hundred dolls. She was especially fond of her dogs, Shep, Bobby, Mitzi and Precious who were good company for her. She walked daily with her dogs.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Helen; Uncle Emmett, Uncle Lyle, Aunt Bernice Sobolik, Aunt Nell, cousin Virginia Barta. Survivors include her brother Gary (Lois) and nephews Brent (Gretchen), Brian, Brad (Gina), and seven great nieces and great nephews, Andrew (Colleen) Hangsleben, Aidan, Olivia, Noah, Evelyn, Duncan and Alex, as well as numerous cousins and an uncle Dennis Best. Special cousins Charles and Lorna Henry took Ruth to medical appointments at the cancer center and shopping for groceries and other necessary items. Other special friends include college friends Ruby Fronk from Fargo, Marilyn Messner from Fargo, and Gloria Sasse from Platte City, MO.
FUNERAL SERVICES will be held at Fordville Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m. with visitation an hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fordville.
Pallbearers are Ruth’s cousins Dennis G. Best, Wilfred Best, Billy Best, Rick Best, Charles Henry and Ken Henry.
In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, a memorial is preferred to be sent to Circle of Friends or any animal shelter of your choice.
BAKKE-CASEMENT FUNERAL HOME, FORDVILLE, ND.