Ruth Swanson Obituary

Chuck, I'm so sorry to hear about Ruth. My cousin, Barbara Johnson, sent me an e-mail last week. Ruth was such a lovely person. I am happy that we were able to visit with you when you both attended my daughter's wedding. God Bless you and your family. May your wonderful memories with Ruth help you through your grief.

Our dear cousin Ruthie will be truely missed by our whole family . Ruth was more like a sister to me than a cousin . We had many a fun time when she was in nurses training . She was a wonderful gentle soul. Chuck and Ruth were always there for us when needed many times .It is hard to believe she is not with us anymore , but we know she was an angel,and she is in a better place and not suffering . She will be watching over us like she always did . All we can say is that, there will never be another Ruth .Our Love goes out to Chuck and the family .We love you ,God Bless .

Charlie, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family..... Greg & JoAnn Walega

I worked as a med. nurse in Peds at RIC when Ruth worked there. To her family, please accept my sympathy. She was a great gal!

I will never forget "Ruthie" Swanson. Our family lived next door to the Swansons my entire childhood. They were wonderful neighbors and Ruthie was a very dear and cherished friend to all of us, especially to my parents, Helen and Frank. She was there the night my mother passed away and she held her hand as she got into the ambulance. She held my hand and my sister's hand as we learned the sad news. She was a pillar of strength for me and my sister. Ruthie was one of the kindest, most compassionate souls I have ever met. She always had a smile, word of encouragement and a shoulder to lean on. She was a wonderful role model for me. She was a great baker and a Christmas doesn't go by that I don't think about her Swedish Christmas cookies. Ruthie did indeed love Lysol spray and to this day, I keep a fresh bottle and can on hand for any illness that might come up... I think of her when I open that bottle or spray that can. She was a great nurse too and her patients loved her. Life was so good and so simple when we were young. I'll never forget the trips to Rainbow Cone, blueberry and strawberry picking, Brookfield Zoo and a host of other fun places that Ruthie and Chuckie took us to as kids. One of the most important qualities that I acquired from Ruthie was that of friendship. To this day, I remember her generosity to our family and try to pass that on in my life. Thanks to Ruthie and Chuckie, there is always room for one more in my car when we are taking the kids somewhere special and fun. I will also never forget her smile and her laughter. She brightened my life and I know that her spirit will live on in so many of the people that she met in her life. I know she's in heaven now, smiling down on all of her dear friends and family. I am so lucky to have been a neighbor and friend of Ruthie. She was a kind and gentle soul. I will miss her tremendously.

I was surprised and saddened to hear of the death of Ruth Swanson. My family, the Bartol's, lived next door to the Swanson's for many years in Chicago. Many of my fondest memories -- from a 5-year-old's backyard birthday party where Chuckie operated the Super-8 movie camera; to blueberry picking in Michigan; to sharing Rainbow cones on Western Avenue -- were spent with the Swansons. I will always remember Ruthie as someone who was willing to extend a compassionate hand and/or a soft word of encouragement. In fact, it was Ruthie who held my hand as I received the fateful news that my own mother had passed away, and it was Ruthie Swanson who shared in a prayer with my sister and myself as we said our final good-byes to our own mother at Holy Cross Hospital on 3/15/1995. Ruthie will be greatly missed. May her compassion, kindness, and stewartship be her legacy to inspire us all.

I have known "Aunt Ruth" my entire life. Although not related through blood, she was and always will be my Aunt Ruth. I'll always remember her as a fun loving, caring, compassionate and good hearted person. I loved her very much and the time I knew her passed way to fast. Remembered always will be the holidays we spent together filled with laughter, her great cooking and playing games. I have many, many happy memories of spending time together, but as I get older and time passes faster each day, I would have to say some of the most memorable are those from a much simpler time, my childhood. Those spent at the "cottage" on excruatingly hot summer days, walking to get "running water" , going potty in a hole in the ground with a toilet seat called an

"indoor bathroom" fearing at any moment I was going to fall in, playing batmitten with the never defeated Uncle Charlie and rubbing sulfur on my skin to keep the ticks away. And all of those near and dear to Aunt Ruth will lovingly remember the importance of hand washing and Lysol spray thanks to her. She was such a good sport, imagine all the razzing she used to get over such things. I will miss her dearly but will always treasure having her in my life. I can hear her laughter as I write this note.

I love you Aunt Ruth.

I was so very saddened to hear of the passing of Ruth. She was such a wonderfully caring, loving person. I came to know Ruth through her daughter, Jennie, when she was my Pastor at Holy Apostles. I saw her as a strong, compassionate, faith-filled person throughout her daughter's illness. Although she will be missed terribly by those who knew and loved her, I rejoice that she is no longer in pain and is with our heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, always watching over us. I look to the time when we meet again in heaven.

I met Ruth through Rita Hartman's family. I never knew her well, but knew that she was a kind and helpful person. The last time I saw Ruth was at Helen Bensen's daughter's wedding. My condolences to the family - we know Ruth is together with her Lord.