Alma R. von Ruden, 99, of Reynolds, ND passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia with family at her side.
Alma Rose Sherman was born on March 26, 1925, near Fingal, ND to Henry and Agnes (Schlegel) Sherman. She grew up on the farm and attended rural school near Fingal through the 8th grade. After completing her education, she continued to work on the family farm and oftentimes would go stay with her sisters as they had babies to support them. She would later work as housekeeper for the priest of their parish. Alma continued to work for Fr. Paul Koehler and relocated to Grand Forks, ND.
After moving to Grand Forks, Alma was introduced to William von Ruden of Reynolds, ND. After a short courtship, the couple was married on June 10, 1963, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fingal. The couple made their home on the family farm west of Reynolds. In 1964, the couple welcomed a son, Roman and a daughter, Ursula, in 1965.
Alma worked side by side with William on the farm with fieldwork and their livestock, especially with the cattle. Alma was a loving mother who took pride in caring for her children. Alma enjoyed living on the farm and having a garden each year, as well as many beautiful flowers throughout the yard. Alma had kindness towards all animals, but especially dogs and cats.
Alma’s greatest joy came in later years when she became a grandma. Alma would go above and beyond to make sure her grandchildren were well fed and happy. Alma loved to celebrate the holidays with her family and was an excellent cook. She took great pride in finding the perfect greeting card for every occasion and sending cards to all those she loved and cared for. She was a devout Catholic and found great strength in her faith. She rarely complained and oftentimes would say “such is life”. She was a wonderful woman who will be forever missed by all who loved her. William preceded her in death on July 31, 2014.
Alma was survived by her son, Roman (Stacey Randa), von Ruden, and her daughter, Ursula (Kent) Nelson; grandchildren, Anthony (Jordon) von Ruden and their sons, Will and Lincoln; Christian (Carly) von Ruden and their children, Codi Rose and Cooper; Evan Nelson, and Jacinda (Lukas Wood) Nelson. She is also survived by a brother, Loren Sherman, a sister-in-law, Lucille Sherman, a brother-in-law, David von Ruden, a sister-in-law, Carol Stolberg, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Teawalt. Alma was blessed with many nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family members, that held a special place in her heart.
Alma was preceded in death by her husband, William; her parents, and siblings, Henry Sherman, Hilaria Wurzer, Dorothy Miller, Alice Puhr, and Theresa Grasswick.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the excellent care provided to Alma by the staff at Valley Senior Living on Columbia, especially the Lanark neighborhood, where Alma spent the last 9 years of her life. She was provided a lot of joy and ice cream treats, and was a special part of the Lanark family.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to direct donations to Valley Senior Living Foundation, 2900 14th Avenue South Grand Forks, ND 58201 or Calvary Catholic Cemetery Fund, 421 Sanborn Avenue Reynolds, ND 58275 in Alma’s honor.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, in our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Reynolds, ND.
Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Saturday.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Reynolds, ND.