Ruth McDowell

Ruth Marie McDowell, age 77, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN, due to complications related to a recent fall.

Ruth Marie Brodin was born on October 5, 1946, daughter of Rodney and Marian (Ulvin) Brodin in Thief River Falls, MN.

Following graduation from Lincoln High School, she enrolled at Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing in Minneapolis.  Just shy of graduation, a congenital heart defect necessitated open heart surgery in 1965.

Ruth met the love of her life, Larry, while vacationing in Bemidji with her family. They were married on March 4, 1967 at Evangelical Covenant Church, Thief River Falls, MN. To this union they were blessed with children Adam, Baird, and Anna.

Due to Ruth’s artificial heart valve, she dealt with numerous physical setbacks and challenges, yet she did not let this slow her down.

Ruth was very involved in church and community organizations. Ruth and Larry loved to dance, Jazz being her favorite. They enjoyed spending weekends at their lake place on Cass Lake.

Ruth shared her compassionate and unique spirit with her dear friends in Thief River.  Her joy (Hats!), smile, and demeanor are a beautiful testimony of her deeply rooted faith in Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Larry of 56 years; son, Baird; brothers, Robert (Meg) Brodin, Daniel (Petra) Brodin; sisters, Carol (Doug) Fullen, Jane (Mark) Englund, and Elizabeth (Jimmy) Miller; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded by her infant son, Adam; teenage daughter, Anna; parents, Rodney and Marian; and sister-in-law, Barbara McDowell.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Ruth will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Thief River Falls on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Memorials can be sent to Covenant Ability Network where Ruth’s son is a resident https://www.covabilitymn.org/