Ruth E. Underbakke, 96

Blue Earth – Ruth Elaine Underbakke of Blue Earth went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ on Oct. 12, 2023. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, Rev. Robert Roettger and Rev. Joshua Underbakke officiated. Burial was at Riverview Cemetery in Elmore. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com

She was born Ruth Elaine Gangstee to Grant and Cecile (Wells) Gangstee on March 18, 1927. She was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore. She graduated with the class of 1945 from Elmore High School. On April 14, 1951, Ruth married Lowell Underbakke. The couple were blessed with three children, Steven, Phillip and Julie. Residing on an acreage in rural Ledyard, Iowa, they farmed and sold Pioneer Seed corn. Ruth enjoyed singing in the church choir, was an avid reader and wrote poetry. She also taught Sunday School and was a circle member.

Ruth is survived by her three children and their spouses, Steven (Nancy)Underbakke, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Phillip (Brenda) Underbakke, of Blue Earth, and Julie (Kirk) Jefson, of Forest City, Iowa. Also left to cherish her memory are eight grandchildren, Kelly Becker, Tabitha Beckman, Joshua Underbakke, Eric Underbakke, Anna Ellis, Dan Underbakke, Jenny Pettengill and Sam Jefson; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; parents, Grant and Cecile Gangstee; brother, Richard Gangstee; sister, Ellen DeVaney and infant sister, Sheila.