Marlys Jean Ruis

Marlys J. Ruis, 77, of Willmar, died Monday, April 22nd at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  Her memorial service will be 10:30 am, Monday, April 29th at Rock of Life CRC in Willmar.  Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Sunday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Holland Township Cemetery in Prinsburg.  www.hafh.org

Marlys Jean Ruis was born on June 2, 1941 in rural Clara City, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Reka (Ackerman) Negen.  She grew up in the Clara City area where she attended Clara City Elementary School and graduated from Raymond High School in the Class of 1959.  Marlys was united in marriage to Gary Ruis on September 22, 1962, at Willmar Christian Reformed Church in Willmar.  The couple lived in Prinsburg, Pennock and retired in Willmar. Marlys worked for Jennie-O in Willmar and Cashwise Foods in the Bakery Department.  She was a member of the Rock of Life CRC. 

Marlys enjoyed watching game shows, bowling and polka.  She loved going to garage sales, fishing with family, and building cherished memories with her loved ones.  She enjoyed all of the activities at Bethesda Day Break and Bethesda Memory Care including: coloring, bingo, sorting beads and folding clothes.

Marlys passed away peacefully on April 22, 2019 with her daughter and sister by her side.  She is survived by her husband Gary Ruis of Willmar; daughter, Peggy (and Rick) Ashburn of Albany; sons: Brian (and Jodi) Ruis of Little Canada, Mike Ruis (and special friend Miriam Simone Howe) of Bloomington; 5 grandchildren: Zachary (and Jenna) Ruis, Cody Ashburn, Kendra Ashburn, Caleb Ruis, Haven Ruis; 2 great-grandchildren: Valen Ruis, Everett Ruis; brother and sisters: Alvin (and Ardis) Negen of New London, Glenda (and Rollie) Nissen of Willmar, Lorna Negen (and Rollie Moll) of Beaver Dam, WI; brothers and sister-in-laws: Jerry Ruis, Barb (and Dave) Engwall, Mark (and Carol) Hookom, Judy (and Jeff) Hulsether, Jill (and Mark) McKnight and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws.    

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