Funeral Mass for Ruth Hansen was held at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore. Burial was in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Divine Mercy Parish - St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore.
Ruth Fay, the daughter of Harold and Florence (Parson) Frambach, was born on January 27, 1925, on the family farm in rural Algona. She grew up alongside her three siblings, learning early the value of hard work, family, and the simple joys of country life.
On May 28, 1945, Ruth was united in marriage to Merlin Hansen at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with five children. Their partnership was steady and strong, marked by devotion to family and to one another.
Ruth was gifted with skilled hands and a creative spirit. She loved embroidering, especially making decorative pictures, pillowcases, and scarves. Gardening became a shared passion for her and Merlin; the two spent countless hours tending their plants and taking pride in the harvest, they nurtured together. Ruth was also well known for her homemade noodles, a cherished part of her famous chicken noodle soup that family and friends eagerly looked forward to.
She had a love for travel and delighted in flying, often making trips to Colorado to visit her daughter and create lasting memories. In her younger years, Ruth enjoyed dancing and even taught others how to waltz, a graceful talent she held dear.
As life went on, her deepest joy came from time spent with her grandchildren. She treasured their visits and made sure each one left with special memories of their time together. Ruth’s life was marked by kindness, generosity, and a steadfast work ethic that never went unnoticed.
Her long life was a blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy of love and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Ruth passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Algona Manor in Algona, at the age of 100.
She is survived by her children, Jerry (Marlene) Hansen of Estherville, Sue (Dave) Whitcomb of Mason City, Helen (Dennis) Hansen of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Madonna (Lavanda) Klingenberg of Armstrong; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and 13 step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother, Richard (Marlene) Frambach of Algona; daughter-in-law; Nancy Hansen of Emmetsburg; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Harold and Florence Frambach; husband, Merlin Hansen; son, Bernard Hansen; granddaughter, Haley Hansen; twin sister, Ruby Heinen; and brother, Dwight Frambach
Online condolences may be made to oakcrestfuneralservices.com.
