Ruth Ernestine Aanas

RUTH ERNESTINE AANAS, age 103 of Elysian, died on the evening of Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Ruth was born in Elysian on November 19, 1920, to parents Ernest Everett and Hazelle Francine (Brossard) Nichols. Her family moved north not long after her birth, and Ruth attended school in McGrath, MN. Ruth lived in San Clemente, CA for a time and while there, she worked on an Emergency Rubber Project. Over the years she also worked in a bakery, an ice cream factory, and managed a candy store and a bookstore. Ruth was married to Richard Lester Aanas on March 14, 1949, in Austin, MN. They lived for many years in Waterloo, IA. Upon their return to Elysian, MN in 1953, Ruth was employed by the E.F. Johnson Company and Bird’s Eye Foods. Ruth felt blessed to remain in the same Elysian home for over seventy years. She enjoyed reading, music, gardening, fishing, and playing the Phase 10 card game with family. More than anything, though, she liked spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were all her greatest loves.

Ruth is survived by three children, Donald Aanas of Le Center, Diane (Dan) Owens of Mankato, and Deb (Dan) Smith of Kilkenny; ten grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Hazelle Nichols; her husband, Richard Aanas; one son, David Aanas; one grandson, David Uherka; and one brother, Warren Nichols. 

Private family services will be held at Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Services in Waterville. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Elysian.