Ruth E. Hanson

Ruth Elizabeth Stumley Hanson died on Sunday, June 5, 2016 in Saint Paul, MN at the age of 96. There will be a Celebration of Life at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 2001 2nd St NW in Watertown, SD on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Pastor Kent Stillson will preside. Ruth was born on April 24, 1920 in Volga, SD to Carl Stumley and Kristi Voldal Stumley. Ruth attended Augustana College and South Dakota State College. She taught in Coleman and Arlington, SD. Later, she studied Social Work at the University of Chicago, and worked for the American Red Cross in Denver. She married Ellis Erling Hanson of Lake Campbell, SD on December 30, 1950. They made their home in Watertown and raised a family. Ruth Hanson was active in church and school affairs in Watertown. Following her husband’s death in 1976, Ruth spent her time between the Twin Cities and Crosslake, MN. Ruth was very devoted to music and loved to play the piano. She is survived by her sons, Paul and Rolf (Marilyn) of St. Paul, MN, and Mark of Fort Collins, CO and five grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota Adoption Services, 705 E 41st Street, Suite 200, Sioux Falls SD 57105.