Ruth Virginia Mae (Knebel) Hoeft

Ruth V. M. Hoeft 96, of Paynesville, died Sunday, May 16, 2021, at the Paynesville Care Center in Paynesville.  Her funeral service will be 11:00 am Friday, May 21, 2021, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville.  Burial will be at the Paynesville Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Services are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.  www.hafh.org

Ruth Virginia Mae Hoeft was born on February 5, 1925, in Munson Township, the daughter of Edwin and Esther (Otto) Knebel.  She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Church in rural Paynesville.  Ruth attended a small country school close to her home and went on to graduate from Paynesville High School with the Class of 1943.  After high school, Ruth worked as a bank teller at a local bank.

On August 22, 1945, Ruth was united in marriage to Eldon Hoeft at EUB Church in Paynesville. This union was blessed with two daughters and four sons. The family made their home on Eldon’s family farm in rural Paynesville where they farmed. In 1976 they moved to the river farm where they lived until they retired in 1991. Eldon and Ruth then moved to their retirement home where they lived until 2013 when they moved to 700 Stearns Place. Eldon died on December 18, 2013.  They shared in 68 years of marriage before his death. 

Ruth was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville.  She was active there in the United Methodist Women, Ruth Circle, as a conference lay leader, as a Sunday school teacher, and Christian Education Leader.  She enjoyed home extension, flower gardening, quilting, knitting, reading, and cooking for family birthdays and holidays.  The grandchildren each received their own quilts and knitted slippers which they cherish.  Ruth and Eldon each had their own garden and had a friendly competition with who kept the best garden.

Ruth is survived by her children, David (Barb) Hoeft of Paynesville, Helen (Jerry) Olson of Paynesville, Jerry (Melody) Hoeft of Paynesville, Dean (Judy) Hoeft of St. Cloud, Beth (Scott) Person of Renville, and Bill (Nancy) Hoeft of Paynesville; 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.  Ruth is also survived by her sister, Bety Coulter of Eden Valley, and nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldon; and brother, Cliff Knebel. 

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