Ruthanne Bieri, 88, Minot, formerly of Blaisdell, entered into her eternal home on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.

Ruthanne was born June 1, 1922, at Berthold, North Dakota, the daughter of Walter and Minnie (Jones) Troxel. She was raised on a farm near Berthold and educated at Berthold Schools, graduating from Berthold High School in 1939. She continued her education at Minot State College, receiving her teacher's certificate in 1941, and later a bachelor of science degree in 1975.

Ruthanne was united in marriage to John Bieri on September 4, 1943, at Foxholm. They made their home on a farm in the Blaisdell area, where they farmed and ranched until 1965, when John died on February 17th. She taught at Blaisdell and Palermo, where she also served as the High School Girls Basketball Coach. She moved to Sidney, Montana in 1965, where she taught until retiring in 1983, when she moved to Minot to be near her grandchildren.

After moving to Minot, she became an active member in Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church. She served with the Women's Mission Fellowship group, Senior Fellowship group, and was active with the Quilter's group. Previously, she had been a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church at Blaisdell, where she taught Sunday school and was active with the women's group. She also served Blaisdell as a 4-H leader for decades. She had been a charter member of the Madagascar Mission Society until it was dissolved in 2000. Ruthanne did volunteer work for Youth For Christ, KHRT Radio, and the Salvation Army. She was also extremely proud to have accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in 1930.

Her loving family includes : daughters, Suezette Bieri (Michael Jacobs), Gilby, ND, Becky Blessum, 3747 Glantz Dr - Billings, MT 59102, son, Jody Bieri, Sidney, MT; grandchildren, Sara Blessum, Ann (Daxon) Mason, Beth Blessum; great-grandchildren, Jace and Brecken Mason; several nieces and nephews.

Ruthanne was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Ron Blessum; sisters, Rita Mahugh and Mary Luetzen; and brother, Paul Troxel.

Funeral service : Friday, February 4, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Interment: Fairview Cemetery, Stanley, ND, later in the Spring.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials.