Ruby C. Elmhorst

Ruby Elmhorst, 91, of Paynesville, died Friday, August 14th at the Paynesville Health Care Center. Arrangements have been made with Johnson Funeral Home for her visitation on Thursday, August 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Her memorial service will be at 12:00 p.m., Friday, August 21st at Koronis Ministries Christian Camp & Retreat Center. 

Ruby Clara Heitke was born on November 2, 1934, on the family farm north of Paynesville to Herman and Elsie (Knebel) Heitke. She attended Harding District 139 Country School through eighth grade, graduating in 1948. Ruby continued her education at North Central Bible School for four years before attending St. Cloud State University, where she earned her teaching degree in 1962.

Ruby began her teaching career in Circle Pines, where she taught for two years, before moving to Wisconsin and teaching two years in the Marshfield School District. She then moved on to Neillsville Elementary School, where she spent the next 28 years before retiring in 1996. During her career, Ruby primarily taught third and fourth grade. She was a dedicated, creative, and caring teacher who took great pride in her work and in her students.

Ruby was known for her intelligence and remarkable memory, especially her ability to memorize poems. She was a fantastic speller, winning school spelling bees and even competed at the Stearns County Fair. She was also a faithful keeper of her diary, carefully recording family events and memories throughout the years.

After retiring, Ruby moved back to Paynesville to live with her sister, Gerry. She was a humble, compassionate, giving, and selfless person who always cared deeply for her family. Ruby especially cherished her nieces and nephews, loving and caring for them as though they were her own children. She also had a special love for animals, particularly cats. Ruby was very passionate about the family farm. She enjoyed driving tractor, feeding calves and especially playing with lambs as a child.  She faithfully came over every day to help with chores in the barn until her final stroke in mid-June. Ruby will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, dedication to teaching, love for her family, and strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ruby is survived by her sister, Geraline “Gerry” Heitke; Heitke (Elmhorst) nieces and nephews, Michael, Stephen, Michelle, Sharon, Maretta, Sandra, and Seth; numerous Elmhorst nieces and nephews; and many other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Elsie Heitke; brother, Earl Heitke; and sister, Evangeline Elmhorst.

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