Dr. Ruth Lucille Sorenson

Ruth was born to Obert and Esther (Benson) Sather in Franklin, MN. Growing up on the farm, she was active in 4-H and won many awards for her sewing prowess.

Ruth continued her education at Augsburg College, where she met John Sorenson, and they married not long after her graduation. While John attended seminary, she taught home economics at the White Bear Lake high school. When John accepted his first call in Lockbourne, OH, she returned to school to complete a master’s degree in Sociology at Ohio State University.

In 1970, Ruth and John moved to Tallahassee, FL, and in 1974, they settled for many years in Sioux Falls, SD. They became active members of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church community.

Ruth went on to complete her PhD in Sociology at Florida State University. She taught for several years at South Dakota State University and later moved to Augustana College, where she eventually became Chair of the Sociology Department.

In later years, her interests shifted away from teaching to doing institutional survey research. When they moved to Forest City, IA, she founded the Waldorf Research Institute. For the final few years of her career, she taught at and did institutional research for Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC.

Ruth enjoyed playing Scrabble, discussing politics, and delighting in the growth and accomplishments of her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her sisters Doris Heinemann and Sylvia Anderson, and her brother Ellsworth Sather.

Ruth is survived by her son, Olav Sorenson and and wife Constança Esteves-Sorenson, of Manhattan Beach, CA; daughter, Kari Pike and husband Stephen Pike of Marblehead, MA; grandchildren Benjamin Pike, Zachariah Pike, Sol Sorenson, Peder Sorenson, and Johan Sorenson; sister, Janet Massen of St. Louis Park, MN; brother, David and wife Sylvia of Franklin, MN; and sister-in-law Patricia Sather of Franklin, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Ave, CB 142, Minneapolis, MN 55454, or St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 629 8th St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Condolences may be sent to the Sorenson family @ www.drumfh-hickory.com.

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Sorenson family.