Ruth Hanson

Ruth Hanson, 82, of Hawick, died Monday, May 4 at the Paynesville Care Center. Her memorial service will be 10:30 am, Saturday, June 20 at Nordland Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in New London. www.hafh.org

Ruth Hanson was born on August 2, 1943, in Paynesville, Minnesota, to George and Florence (Lindmeyer) Pitts. She was raised on a farm near Paynesville and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1961. After high school, she attended St. Cloud Beauty School to continue her education.

On September 14, 1963, Ruth married Ronald Hanson at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Together, they were blessed with four children: Brad, Kelly, Krista, and Jaysen. Over the years, they lived in several homes in Paynesville before building their home on Long Lake near Hawick.

Ruth was self-employed as a hairdresser for many years, working out of her home. She also served as a paraprofessional at NL-S School, worked as a secretary at Nordland Lutheran Church, and was employed in advertising at the Paynesville Press until her retirement in 2005.

A devoted member of Nordland Lutheran Church, Ruth was actively involved in Nordland Lutheran Church Women (NLCW), contributed as a columnist and editor for Winds of the Spirit, participated in Sisters at Heart, and served in many other church groups.

Ruth had many passions, including writing, painting, drawing, sewing, cooking, and baking. She loved music and attending concerts with friends, hosting neighborhood gatherings, and being a part of Birthday Club and a Book Club. She also enjoyed spending time in nature, especially bird watching, walking through Lost Valley, and exploring Long Lake. She and her husband, Ron, also enjoyed traveling, spending many winters exploring Texas.

Ruth is survived by her children: Brad (Kari) Hanson, Kelly (Beth) Hanson, Krista (Cameron) Gulden, and daughter-in-law, Jolene Hanson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Luke Hanson; Aaron (Maggie) Hanson; Kia, Tate, Marna, and Emmett Hanson; Ashleigh Cola; Josiah Gulden; Zoe Wheeler; Isabele and Christopher Gulden; Andrew (Molly) and Nik Hanson; and great-granddaughter, Aria Cola. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Kathy Pitts, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Hanson and many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; her son, Jaysen Hanson; her granddaughter, Ivy Hanson; her parents, George and Florence; and siblings: Richard and George Pitts, June Roberg, and Barbara Kasperzak.

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