Ruth Ann Stirling, 66, Tripp, South Dakota, formerly of Luverne, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, at the Avera-McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A memorial was Friday, Sept. 2, at the Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Ruth Ann McClure was born Dec. 17, 1949, to Russell and Johanna (Beyer) McClure in Luverne. She was baptized on Jan. 15, 1950, and made a confirmation of that faith on May 17, 1964, at her childhood church, St. John Lutheran in Luverne. After graduating from Luverne High School in 1968, she attended Stewart School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for hairstyling. She worked as a beautician for the next 30 years until she purchased The Beer Garden in Menno, South Dakota.
Ruth was well known for her knack of being a great cook and collector of Coca Cola memorabilia. Above all else, Ruth cherished her family. She was artistic and joyful.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Kent “Ed” Stirling, Tripp; children, Jesse and Shane Freeborn, and stepchildren Montana Stirling and Tami Love; a granddaughter, Jessalynn Freeborn; a sister, Sara (Randy) Van Nieuwenhuizen, Luverne; a brother, Cleon (Sue) McClure, Douglas, Massachusetts; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Johanna McClure; and a sister, Laura Hauff.
Arrangements were by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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