Ruth Wogan, 87

Ruth Thelma Wogan, 87, Alexandria, died November 21, 2009.

Ruth was born March 4, 1922 in Watertown, South Dakota, to Fred and Lina (Lowry) Davis. She grew up in Holloway where she graduated from high school in 1941. She was active in Girl Scouts, school band and was also a cheerleader. Later, Ruth attended Moorhead Teachers College.

On April 24, 1943 Ruth was united in marriage to Vinton G. Wogan. The couple moved to Minneapolis for two years, where Ruth worked at Honeywell. They returned to Holloway and Ruth worked at her parents’ café while Vinton served in the U.S. Army 101st airborne in Europe. Ruth also worked as a school cook for five years and for the post office. When Vinton returned, the couple began Wogan’s Trenching Service. They were blessed with one child, Vinton.

In 1959, Ruth and her family moved their business to Alexandria. They continued to operate their business until their retirement in 1989. Ruth worked for two years at Herbergers and continued work doing food demonstrations at the local grocery stores in Alexandria.

Ruth was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield and was an active Ladies Aid member. She later transferred to Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She was active in church quilting. She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary. Ruth enjoyed traveling the world. She spent many winters in Arizona. She loved flower gardening. Ruth also enjoyed cross-stitch and cake decorating. She looked forward to meeting her friends at Tuesday bingo. Most important to Ruth was her family; she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Vinton, and two brothers, Willard and Kenny Davis, preceded her in death.

Ruth is survived by her son, Vinton Garmon Jr. and wife, Mary, of Alexandria; two grandchildren, Kevin Wogan and wife, Dawn, of Burnsville, and Karla Atwater and husband, Todd, of Alexandria; six great-grandchildren, Kayla, Timothy, Leah, Kaleb, Eric and Travis; brother, Wally Davis and wife, Kathy, of Baudette; sister, Mabel Emde of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Elaine Davis of Alexandria; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, November 25 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. The Rev. Terry Finnern and the Rev. David Hinz officiated. JoNette Brogaard and Dan Olson provided music. Interment followed at Kinkead Cemetery. Casket bearers included Gary Davis, Keith Davis, Ron Davis, John Davis, David Mahoney and Don Kingston. Honorary casket bearers included Karmie Gilbertson, Sharon Emde, Linda Kieffer, Koreen Firnstahl, Konnie Berg, Judy Davis, Kay Cole and Justin Kieffer.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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