Ruth Marie Houff died April 13, 2016, at Sacred Heart Care Center at the age of 90.

Ruth Marie Houff was born Nov. 6, 1925, in Waltham, Minnesota, to Carl and Amanda (Gade) Griese, the oldest of eight children. She was baptized Nov. 21, 1925, by Rev. E. Marxhauson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waltham and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin May 28, 1939, by Rev. W. F. Milbrath.

Ruth attended St. John’s Lutheran School and Austin Public Schools. Ruth and Ronald Joseph Houff were married March 19, 1944, in Austin by the Rev. W. F. Milbrath. She was a devoted wife and mother who spent most of her life in the Austin area as a homemaker. She enjoyed time with family and road trips to visit her parents and siblings and especially enjoyed visits with her sister, Mae, in nearby St. Ansgar, Iowa. She loved going for rides around the city and countryside, walks around her neighborhood, and the many friendly exchanges with neighbors. She loved reading the Reader’s Digest and the Austin Daily Herald.

Ruth was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She especially enjoyed singing hymns. In her 80’s, she began taking piano lessons which she enjoyed. In earlier years she was known for her great Sunday dinners. She was very generous with her time and resources and helped family members and others whenever they were in need. She was deeply concerned with the less fortunate and gave what she could for many causes.

Ruth suffered a stroke in January 2014 and was under the care of her daughter, Kathryn, until April of 2015 when she moved into St. Mark’s Living. In December 2015, she moved to Sacred Heart Care Center where she entered into eternal life on April 13, 2016. Family was always present and during her last days they were close at hand to lend comfort, love, and support.

Ruth is survived by her children, Clayton (Karen) Houff of Dawson, and Kathryn (Bob) Houff Anderson of Austin; her grandchildren, Sarah (Ben) Houff Hoese, Shawn Renee Hinrichs and fiancée, Jason Hultman, and Crystal Ann Hinrichs; step-grandchildren, Kristin (Paul) Prestholdt Johnshoy, Brian (Michelle) Prestholdt, and Robb (Rebecca) Prestholdt; six great-grandchildren, Theodore Gilbertson, Alec, Dylan, and Ashley Reinartz, Taylor Hinrichs, and Jayden Nelson; and seven step-great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Johnshoy, Braden, Garett, Brielle, Allie, Adelyn and Calvin Prestholdt; and her sisters, June (Donald) Hafften, and Verna Hafften; and brother, Leonard Griese; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Amanda; husband, Ronald, May 15, 2005; and grandson, Clayton Ronald Houff Jr., Sept. 14, 2012; her sisters, Mae Braun and Betty Boratz; and brothers, Lawrence and Walter Griese.

Ruth loved her family, her friends and her Lord. She will be greatly missed. Blessed be her memory.

A memorial service celebrating her life is being held April 30, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Bailey officiating.