Ruth Fredrickson

Ruth Dottie Fredrickson, at the age of 93, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2018. Memorial Service to be held at Le Center United Methodist Church in Le Center on Thursday, August 2, 2018 with visitation from 8 am to 11 am, service at 11 am with lunch at church to follow after interment in Greenwood Union Cemetery.

Born December 23, 1924, Ruth was the 9th sibling of 10 born to Richard and Mary Chadderdon. Ruth grew up on the family farm in Le Center, MN, attended grade school at the one room school house, and graduated from McKinley High School.

Following graduation, Ruth worked at the cannery in Montgomery, and while there met Axel Fredrickson, who had a son, Clarence who was in the army fighting in Germany during WW II. Clarence's father liked Ruth and asked if he could send her picture to his son. Ruth gave him permission to do so, and several letters and pictures were exchanged. When discharged from the army, a surprise visit at the cannery from Clarence eventually led to a marriage of 61 years.

Before having children, Ruth worked at Winco in Le Center. They bought 120 acres just outside Le Center, built their home there. Once having children, Ruth's main job was homemaker, but also did the bookwork for Clarence's painting business. For a while they also farmed the land, but eventually rented out the farmland for raising crops. When Clarence retired from his painting business, they purchased and operated "Wise Stop Resort" on Lake Jefferson for 6 years.

Ruth's legacy is her deep Christian faith, which she professed with her generous acts of kindness, taking in several nieces, nephews, friends families at different points in her life over the years, delivering meals and cookies, lively chatter, words of encouragement to many during difficult times. She cared for her mother, Mary, for most of 26 years after her mother was widowed. Ruth was active in her United Methodist Church as Sunday school teacher, organizing and planning meals for events, and a member of the United Methodist Church Women. Ruth enjoyed crocheting, sewing, knitting, reading, tending flowers, gardening and yardwork with Clarence.

Survivors include her 5 children, David (Donna), Greg (LuAnne), Debbie (Pat) O'Malley, Sheila (Mike) Jefferson , Curt (Marcy); ex daughter-in-laws, Lori Tuma, and Debbie Fredrickson; 12 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death is her husband, Clarence; infant son, Bradley; parents, Richard and Mary Chadderdon; daughter-in-law, Rosemary Fredrickson; great-grandson, "Little David" Fredrickson; and 9 brothers and sisters.

Arrangements are with the Le Center Funeral Home. 507-357-6116. www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.