Service Information
Ruth W. McKee, age 96, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at her home in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Thursday, August 29, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Ruth Wilma McKee was born on October 27, 1927, in Lynn Township, rural Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of William and Ella (Schlueter) Raether. Ruth was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She received her education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School class of 1945.
On April 15, 1950, Ruth was united in marriage to Donald McKee at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Shelley and Lynn. Ruth and Don made their home on a farm in rural Glencoe, Minnesota. During this time, they added members to their family through foster care, enriching their family and offering a warm and welcoming home to many young lives. They rejoiced in 61 years of marriage until Don passed away on October 7, 2011.
Ruth was an active and contributing member of Christ Lutheran Church in Glencoe. After moving to Hutchinson, she and Don became members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She continued her involvement making items for Trees and Traditions, participating in Circle groups and providing baked goods for morning coffee.
Ruth was employed for many years at the McLeod County Court House, then the ASCS office and later with Farmers Home Administration. After her retirement, she volunteered as a Guardian ad Litem, the local food shelf, delivered for Meals on Wheels and served at the hospital cafeteria and auxiliary thrift shop.
Over the years, Ruth and Don took pleasure in travel, exploring the world including much of the U.S. and parts of Europe and Asia. More than anything, Ruth delighted in spending time with family and friends. She was an original member of the “Rip n Tear” sewing group and played in various bridge clubs in Glencoe, Hutchinson and Mesa, Arizona. Ruth and Don spent many happy times dancing, including time with their square dance club. They were also blessed to be part of a couples group known as ‘Potluck’ that endured for more than 50 years.
Ruth was an avid learner, an accomplished cook and baker, she loved to sew, knit and crochet, had a good financial mind and learned to operate a smart phone and stream tv in her 90s. Ruth was a kind-hearted, ‘energizer bunny’ who did anything she could for her family, those she loved and anyone in need.
Ruth passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at her home in Hutchinson at the age of 96 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Ruth is survived by her:
Daughters, Shelley Jilek and her husband, Brad of The Villages, FL,
Lynn Blakeway and her husband, Jim of Excelsior, MN;
Foster Daughter, Liz Eckholm of Richfield, MN;
Grandchildren, Patrick (Abby) Jilek, Kristina (Brett) Cummings;
Great-grandchildren, Alandra and Libby Jilek;
Sisters, Marian (Tom) Jerdee of Black Mountain, NC,
Ellen Quist of Terre Haute, IN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ruth is preceded in death by her Parents, William and Ella Raether; Husband, Donald McKee; Brother-in-law, Ray Quist.
Carol Dwinnell says
Ruth was a beautiful sweetest lady and so kind, loved listening to her stories of the past growing up and working experiences and she was a wonderful baker will miss her at Lakeridge, my deepest condolences to her family. Hugs and prayers for Ruth’s family
Kim Witte says
Ruth was one of the kindest people I ever met. We moved across the street from her and Don, and they welcomed us with love. Ruth baked cookies with our two little boys, and brought them gifts from their travels. Ruth and her family took care of our lawn when we were in the cities for my husband’s cancer surgery. She was the first person to know of his diagnosis, and she held me while we both cried. So many memories, so much kindness. We still miss the best neighbors ever. So wonderful to know that she and Don are together again. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Nettie Schwarze says
Ruth was one of the nicest, sweetest human beings that I have been able to call my friend. She always spoke softly, was very kind, generous, very positive, practical & of course loved sharing her delicious baked goods! She was a neighbor of mine for a while at The Community of Lakeridge and I loved chatting with her. She actually called me on Monday the 19th. I will always hold her friendship close to my heart. My very heartfelt sympathy to Ruth’s family, she was a rare treasure indeed & will be missed!
Deanne Lentz says
This past weekend I washed the blanket Aunt Ruth crocheted for my wedding over 38 years ago. It’s still going strong!! Just like she did for 96 years!
Ruth embodied the qualities of generosity kindness and joy. The world always seemed warm and happy when we were at Don and Ruth’s farm house with oodles of cousins running about aunts and uncles reunited and chatting away and of course delicious homemade food aplenty! I loved checking in on her when I was in Minnesota and of course she always happened to have a slice of warm bread or fresh pie to share.
Shelly and Lynn I won’t be able to attend the service but sending much love and deep deep gratitude for your mom. She was quite a role model for me.
Deanne Lentz
Doug Sheila Childers says
Ms Ruth was such a fine example for everyone who knew her ! We all here at Coleman United Methodist Church in Coleman Fl Loved and Cherished time spent with Ms Ruth ! Her smile and Loving Kindness will always be remembered ! We all enjoyed chats with Ms Ruth as she shared Life expectancies and recipes with all of us ! She will be missed are Prayers go out to Shelley Lynn and Family Friends during this time of Loss Amen But let us rejoice in knowing she is with our Lord in Heaven and all her Loved ones who have gone before her Amen!
Joan Chapman says
Ruth was a good friend many years ago. We were in a bridge club together and lived close to her and her family.
Shelley and Lynn, I am sorry I cannot attend the service on Thursday, but want you to know we are thinking of
you and remembering your mom.
Carla Fitting says
I send my heartfelt, deepest sympathies to “Coach” Shelley, Lynn & families.
It is so tough to lose Mom.
I am happy to have met Ruth at a client’s home in Caledonia, while she & Shelley visited. Her smile & gentle spirit had a way of drawing you in. Reading her obituary & all the tributes to Ruth leave no doubt of the generous & loving humanitarian she was. I am thinking of you, Coach.
Love, hugs & prayers for comfort are being sent your way.
Yvonne Gnadt says
Fred and I had the pleasure of friendship with Ruth. Ruth made us feel apart of her family. We enjoyed playing putt and play golf with her. She would give us pointers to improve our game. Ruth put life into a card game, she would have gathered all her points at the end, leaving us in the dust.lol. We had enjoyed her company. Brad and Shelley , thank you for sharing your mother’s time with us. Many times I remember my mother through her. Ruth has to be looking down knowing she raised a beautiful family. You were blessed to have a lovely mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. May all of your memories of Ruth give you strength and comfort. Our deepest sympathy. Fred and Yvonne Gnadt
Roselea Boyce Nellis says
I can only agree with all the nice comments others have made about Ruth. She was truly a gem in so many respects. We obviously had the greatest respect for both Ruth and Don as we named them as guardians for our girls in our Will. That was many years ago, but the degree of admiration never changed. God’s peace to all of you!