Ruth Thayer
d. December 9, 2016
Ruth Victoria Minnie (Manthey) Thayer was born May 10, 1919 to Fredrick and Anna (Virgin) Manthey. She grew up on a farm near St John’s church surrounded by 3 brothers (Alvin, Ernie and Ervin) and 1 sister (Bernice). She often talked about her chores on the farm picking eggs and taking care of livestock with her younger brother Ervin. Ruth attended a one room German school up through middle school, and transferred to Central High School in Montevideo where she graduated with honors. She was confirmed in St. John’s Lutheran church in rural Montevideo on April 9th, 1933.
On June 30th, 1940 Ruth married Vernon Henry Smith. They had a son named Vincent Vernon who was born on September 20th, 1942. They farmed together just Northeast of Montevideo until Vernon became too ill to continue. They moved to Montevideo on Black Oak Avenue, where Vernon passed away not long after. Ruth married Edward Delak later, and they had a daughter named Vicki Lynn on January 6th, 1958. Ruth returned to Montevideo where she worked many years as a Sales Clerk in the clothing department at Ben Franklin, S&L, Anderson Fashion Shop, J. C. Penny’s and Fab and Trim. Ruth was an avid seamstress and enjoyed sewing most of her clothes. She also enjoyed baking and her door was always open to family and friends.
Ruth taught Sunday School for 25 years at St. Paul’s Lutheran church, and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Ruth remarried and after retiring headed south to Florida seeking warmer weather. She enjoyed line and square dancing, lawn bowling and traveled. She also was a member of the Jester’s Club where she performed with friends. Ruth was a member of the Red Hat Ladies group, and loved playing cards and entertaining friends.
Ruth returned to Montevideo at the age of 90 and was very proud of her family. She loved to talk about her 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She also surrounded herself with 5 great grandsons. Ruth was a friendly face at Luther Haven, and also loved to have her “Ramsey buddies” visit her.
Ruth was an amazing 97 year old lady. She kept busy with all kinds of activities at the nursing home. She had a kind of spirit that always made you smile and laugh with her short comments. Ruth always said thank you for anything you did for her with a smile.
Ruth passed away December 9th at Luther Haven due to heart failure. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Vicki Delak from Florida, a daughter-in-law, Evonne Smith of Montevideo, and 3 grandson’s, Scott of Arkansas, Terry, Justin and his wife Beth of Montevideo and a granddaughter, Brittany and her husband Tim of Florida; her 5 great grandsons Alex, Cole, Hayden, Peyton and Layne; her step-children and their families and many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister and her son, Vincent.
Blessed be her memory.
On June 30th, 1940 Ruth married Vernon Henry Smith. They had a son named Vincent Vernon who was born on September 20th, 1942. They farmed together just Northeast of Montevideo until Vernon became too ill to continue. They moved to Montevideo on Black Oak Avenue, where Vernon passed away not long after. Ruth married Edward Delak later, and they had a daughter named Vicki Lynn on January 6th, 1958. Ruth returned to Montevideo where she worked many years as a Sales Clerk in the clothing department at Ben Franklin, S&L, Anderson Fashion Shop, J. C. Penny’s and Fab and Trim. Ruth was an avid seamstress and enjoyed sewing most of her clothes. She also enjoyed baking and her door was always open to family and friends.
Ruth taught Sunday School for 25 years at St. Paul’s Lutheran church, and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Ruth remarried and after retiring headed south to Florida seeking warmer weather. She enjoyed line and square dancing, lawn bowling and traveled. She also was a member of the Jester’s Club where she performed with friends. Ruth was a member of the Red Hat Ladies group, and loved playing cards and entertaining friends.
Ruth returned to Montevideo at the age of 90 and was very proud of her family. She loved to talk about her 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She also surrounded herself with 5 great grandsons. Ruth was a friendly face at Luther Haven, and also loved to have her “Ramsey buddies” visit her.
Ruth was an amazing 97 year old lady. She kept busy with all kinds of activities at the nursing home. She had a kind of spirit that always made you smile and laugh with her short comments. Ruth always said thank you for anything you did for her with a smile.
Ruth passed away December 9th at Luther Haven due to heart failure. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Vicki Delak from Florida, a daughter-in-law, Evonne Smith of Montevideo, and 3 grandson’s, Scott of Arkansas, Terry, Justin and his wife Beth of Montevideo and a granddaughter, Brittany and her husband Tim of Florida; her 5 great grandsons Alex, Cole, Hayden, Peyton and Layne; her step-children and their families and many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister and her son, Vincent.
Blessed be her memory.
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