Ruth Hiller, 92, Minot, formerly of Rugby and Barton, died Friday, April 26, 2013 at her daughters home in Minot with her loving family at her side.
Ruth was born July 13, 1920 at rural Barton, North Dakota the daughter of Arthur and Ellen (Johnsen) Krefting. As a teenager, Ruth worked at a general store in Barton. She received her high school diploma through the NDSU Division of Supervised Studies in 1966.
Ruth was united in marriage to George Hiller on November 25, 1945 in a double wedding with Ruth's sister, Judy and the Reverend George Rohde in Rugby, ND. They made their home in Minot, Lisbon, Martin, Alymer, Durbin, Pleasant Lake and Rugby, while George was a railroad telegrapher. From 1969-1978, the family owned and operated Hiller Music in Rugby. George died July 28, 1971. From 1964 - 1969, Ruth served as the postmistress in Pleasant Lake, ND. From 1979 1995, Ruth was employed in the housekeeping department of the Rugby Hospital. She moved to Minot in 2003 to be nearer her four children.
While living in Rugby, Ruth was a longtime member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, where she served as the Church organist, Sunday School teacher and was active with the Women's Ministries program.
Ruth loved to bake. She was known for her homemade bread and buns and exceptional chocolate chip cookies. She sent cards and handwritten letters to her family and friends. She especially enjoyed her birthday when her mailbox was filled with birthday greetings. She kept a diary for over 50 years.
Her loving family includes, children, Curtis (Joan) Hiller, Elizabeth "Veve" Nelson, Craig ( Judy Nelson) Hiller, and Ellen (Kurt) Knutson, all of Minot; grandchildren, Travis (Krissi) Hiller, Erik (Jana) Nelson, April (Ray) Hiller, Michael Nelson and Steven (Rebecca) Knutson; great grandchildren, Chelsea, Dakota, Clint, Marli, Gwen, Nolan, Alexandra, Zachary, Ashley, RayLynn and a future great-grandchild in June; great-great granddaughter, Natalie; her two very special nieces, Kay (Stan) Voget and Candace Bellamy, both of Bishop, CA; step-sisters, Luella Hanson, Medford, OR and Percy Pfenning, Minot; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, along with her sister and brother in law, Judy and Rev George Rohde.
Funeral service: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Redeemers Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Interment : Barton Southwest Baptist Cemetery later in the Spring.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Rugby or the Barton SW Baptist Cemetery Association.