Ruth Isabelle Block, 98

Published 4:51 pm Saturday, April 13, 2013

Ruth Isabelle Block, 98, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday April 9, 2013, at Stewartville Care Center.

Ruth Block

She was born July 29, 1914, in Estherville, Iowa, to George and Felicite Cox. She grew up in Hollandale, Minn., where her parents were farmers. She married Willard (Bob) Block June 5, 1934, and moved to Austin.

The couple raised their family in Austin with the exception of a three-year period when they lived in Binghamton, N.Y., during World War II. After Bob’s retirement from Hormel Foods, they moved to Bella Vista, Ark., and then returned to Austin. Ruth was married to Bob for 77 years until he died in 2011.

Ruth was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family. She was an active church member and at one time served as president of the St. Jane’s unit of St. Augustine Church.

She was an avid cook and enjoyed using the fruits of her husband’s garden for cooking and canning. She had many talents, including pottery making, needlepoint and crocheting. In her late years, she crocheted more than 3000 baby caps that were donated to the hospital nursery.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in law Janice and Ken Regner, Fort Myers, Fla.; sons and daughters-in-law, Roger and Jeannine, Stewartville, Minn.; Doug and Kathy, South St. Paul; and son Ron in Austin. Also, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, four brothers and four sisters.

The family celebrated her life with a private family service on Saturday at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Steffes of St Augustine Church officiating. Interment was held at Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.