Ruth Fedje

May 10, 1934-Aug. 11, 2022

Ruth Marie (Ellsworth)

Fedje, 88, died peacefully

at her home with her fam-

ily by her side on August

11, 2022.

Ruth was born May 10,

1934, to Bernice (Stemp-

son) and Andrew Ells-

worth in Rugby, ND. She

graduated from Rugby

High School in 1952 and

lived in Rugby all of her

life.

In 1953, Ruth married

Ardell Fedje and together

they farmed and raised

seven children. She and

Ardell spent winters trav-

eling and seeing new

places, family, and

friends. They moved into

town in 1985 and in April

2022 she found her new

home at Haaland Manor

in Rugby.

Ruth enjoyed working

with friends for many

years at Rugby Livestock

Sales and the museum in

Rugby. She was always

looking for another adven-

ture. So when Ardell

passed away in 2002, her

independent nature,

desire to learn and travel,

and love for others caused

her to continue her ad-

ventures. She traveled to

many continents with

friends and family, always

looking forward to her

next trip. Ruth spent the

last few winters in Arizo-

na with her daughters and

made friends everywhere

she went. Many knew her

simply as Granny.

Ruth’s children, grand-

children, and great-grand-

children were her greatest

joy, and she cultivated

wonderful relationships

with them all. She

planned special events

just to be with them and

they often witnessed her

generous nature. Ruth ini-

tiated and looked forward

to “Thursday Lunch” at

her home where she wel-

comed her children,

grandchildren, relatives,

and friends. She made the

holidays (especially

Christmas) a wonderful

family time, and had a

special ability to create

and choose meaningful,

unique gifts. For many

years at Christmas she

baked dozens of cookies

and treats that she shared

with many, just to show

her love and appreciation.

As a seamstress and

quilter, Ruth made sure

each grandchild received

a personalized quilt when

they were born and again

when they graduated from

high school. She also

made quilts for her

great-grandchildren and

many others. She enjoyed

playing cards, tending to

her flowers and plants,

hosting events, and serv-

ing others at her home.

Ruth inspired her chil-

dren to try new things and

be creative, leading by ex-

ample. She worked hard

and jumped into activities

wholeheartedly. She con-

tinued to be a role model

to them throughout her

entire life, with her heart

of gratitude and welcom-

ing acceptance of others

being two of her most

recognizable traits.

Ruth took great pride in

the community of Rugby

as one of its volunteers

and most enthusiastic

supporters. Ruth served

in many organizations

and First Lutheran church

activities, including the

Hospital Auxiliary, FMHA

Board, Heart of America

HMO, Sundowners

Homemakers Club, Farm-

ers Union, 4-H, Eagles,

Lions, Meals on Wheels,

PTA, many school reun-

ions, and other communi-

ty events. Often in the

role of leader or board

member.

Ruth was preceded in

death by her husband, Ar-

dell; her son, Dean; her

son-in-law, Daniel Tenne-

fos; her parents, Andrew

and Bernice Ellsworth;

her siblings, Donald

(Cecelia) Ellsworth; June

(Jack) Dorman; Bob Ells-

worth; and Bette (Jim)

Bailey. She is survived by

her children, Joan Tenne-

fos, Lake Park, MN and

Mesa, AZ; Jane (Wayne)

Hellekson, Red Rock, AZ;

Dale (Pat) Fedje, Rugby;

Cindy (Jerry) Leivestad,

Gold Canyon, AZ; Andy

(Deanne) Fedje, Rugby;

and Diane (Maynard)

Peterson, Minot, ND; 12

grandchildren, Krista

(Mark) Holter; Jacob

(Leah) Tennefos; Daniel

(Sarah) Tennefos; Jessica

(Cody) Bren; Josiah (Jen-

na) Hellekson; Sam Hel-

lekson; Tim (Tiffani)

Fedje; Carlie (Tanner)

Johnson; Jason Fedje;

Chris Fedje; Ryan Peter-

son; Kari Peterson; and 18

great-grandchildren.

A prayer service will be

held on Tuesday, August

16, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

with visitation beginning

at 5:30 p.m. at First Luth-

eran Church, Rugby. The

memorial service will also

be held at the church at

1:00 p.m. on Wednesday,

August 17, 2022. Inter-

ment at Persilla Watts

Cemetery will follow a

lunch provided at the

church.

Memorials are preferred

to the organization of your

choice.

Niewoehner Funeral

Home, Rugby