Ruth E. Lee

Ruth E. Lee, 75, Moorhead, MN, died Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in Elim Rehab and Care Center, Fargo, ND.

Ruth Elaine Lee was born February 21, 1943, in Detroit Lakes, MN, the eldest child of Henry and Harriet (Lindsay) Lee. She graduated from Detroit Lakes Senior High in 1960. She started working for Northwestern Bell on February 29, 1960, and retired on February 28, 1990, followed by nine years at Gate City Bank in Fargo.

Ruth married Carl Anderson on October 28, 1961, and was blessed with four children, Jeffrey Scott, Gregory Lee (Jennifer), Mary Lynne (Kevin) Schmitt, and Robert John (Krista). Ruth and Carl were divorced in 1969. Ruth married Patrick Patterson for seven years then later married Larry Kalkowski for 19 years. Ruth was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at her family home church, Richwood Lutheran Church, rural Detroit Lakes.

Ruth is survived by her children, Jeffrey, Gregory, Mary, and Robert; grandchildren, Jessica (Derrick) Jivery, Kimberly (Nathan) Gutridge, Olivia Anderson, Matthew Anderson, and Lindsay Anderson; great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn Jivery, Emileigh Jivery, Erin Gutridge, Alexis Anderson, Caleb Gutridge, and Ethan Gutridge. She is also survived by her two brothers, Robert (Mary) Lee of Detroit Lakes and Harvey (Patti) Lee of Daleville, VA.

Ruth was active with the Sweet Adelines Chorus and Quartets in Detroit Lakes, Fargo, and Apache Junction, AZ. She was the first female member and first female president of the FM Cosmopolitan Club, member of the Moorhead Health Care Auxiliary, member of the Eagles Auxiliary in Detroit Lakes, and had spent 18 winters at the Trail Riders Ranch in Mesa, AZ.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Harriet Lee of Detroit Lakes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Hospice oR the ALS Association. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Hospice of the Red River Valley, Elim Rehab and Care Center, and the ALS Association.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead with a prayer service at 7 PM. The Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 2 PM in Korsmo Funeral Chapel. The Committal will be held at a later date at Richwood Lutheran Church Cemetery, Highway 59, rural Detroit Lakes.