Ruth Halverson

Halverson, Ruth Elizabeth was born on July 26th, 1916 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the first child of Henry Louis Halverson and Dorothy Hamill Halverson. She died Saturday, August 31st, at the age of 97, in her home at Parkshore Senior Campus in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Her legacy exemplifies her belief that individuals have a responsibility to contribute to society through action. Ruth's early life reads like most children of the Depression. Instilled with a strong work ethic, she entered the workforce after high school. She did not pursue higher education until much later in life, revealing that a lack of self-confidence contributed to her hesitancy about college. A close friend from Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church encouraged her and she entered the University of Minnesota at the age of 49. Ruth saw this as a pivotal moment in her life and an example that one supportive person can make a difference. Ruth graduated in 1969 and became an elementary school teacher in Golden Valley at Meadowbrook School. She was a dedicated educator and made enduring connections with students. She was also an active member of the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and involved in various projects. Upon retirement Ruth made it her mission to age with vigor. She embarked on a genealogy project that spanned two decades, becoming an avid computer user as she researched and wrote the book, Generations, for her family. Ruth's attitudes evolved during the second half of her life due to the influence of a few close friends. She became passionate about questioning the world around her, which led to a path of political and environmental activism. She tirelessly wrote to her elected officials regarding current issues, and submitted numerous letters to the editor of this newspaper. She advocated for the needs of senior citizens and recently wrote a letter to Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, urging him to make technology more accessible to seniors. At Parkshore Senior Campus she continued to be a writer, a student, a teacher, a listener, and an activist who thoroughly enjoyed engaging people in thought provoking dialogue. Her mission was not only to age well but also to live well, exercising her mind as well and her body every day. Focused on living, yet informed of her declining health by her friends days before her death, Ruth's response summed up her life: "I don't have time to die!" She is preceded in death by her brother, David Halverson, and is survived by her sisters, Judith (Warren) Sheldon of Oberlin, OH and Joyce Doty of Kauai, HI, as well as 10 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Service will be Thursday, Sept 12 from 1-3 PM at Parkshore Senior Campus, 3663 Park Center Blvd, St Louis Park. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Ruth Halverson

August 31, 2013

Tributes

Ruth Halverson

August 31, 2013

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