Ruth Thompson

Ruth Elaine Thompson, of Detroit Lakes, MN, peacefully passed away at home on October 29, 2022, after many years of physical challenges.

Ruth “Jr.” was born on January 25th, 1957, in Detroit Lakes to Arville and Ruth (Williams) Thompson. Ruth grew up on Shorewood Drive at the Point Resort, graduated from Holy Rosary school, then Detroit Lakes High school in 1975. She completed her degree in Broadcast Journalism from St. Cloud University in 1980. She loved playing the piano and and progressed to part-time organist at Holy Rosary Church while she was in high school and college. Ruth was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of Holy Rosary Church.

Ruth worked at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul for nineteen years, until health issues caused her to return to Detroit Lakes. She loved her roles and experiences at the Science Museum, often sharing stories and information with others. She also worked part time for several businesses when she returned to Detroit Lakes, including Lakes Offset for DL Printing and Central Market. Ruth cherished her family and became the family photographer and historian.

Ruth is survived by her father and stepmother Arville (Rita) Thompson of Frazee; siblings Kathleen (Mike) Anderson of Nokemis, FL; Mary (Harlen) Hendrickson of Detroit Lakes; Linda Thompson Rossbach of Detroit Lakes; Susanne Thompson of Lake Elsinore, CA; Jennifer (Paul) Soyring of Callaway; Amy (James) Vogt of Detroit Lakes; Lori (Matthew) VanSteenwyk of Grantsburg, WI; Anne (Chris) Brandt of Volga, SD; and Aaron Thompson of Frazee. She is also survived by many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth, her sister Theresa Quam, her brother Cliff Thompson and nephew Eric Thompson. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on November 18, 2022, at 1:00 PM at David Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to Holy Rosary Catholic Church.