RUTH ANN FLETSCHOCK

Ruth Ann Fletschock; the daughter of Melvin and Esther (Braaten) Thompson, was born on May 24, 1952 in Rugby, ND. Ruth Ann died at age 61 on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at a St. Cloud, MN Hospital in the loving care of her family. Mass of the Resurrection for Ruth will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C. F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass; with the burial at South Ox Creek Cemetery, rural Rolette, ND at a later date. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. with the Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Friday’s visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Ruth Ann was raised on the family farm, west of Wolford, ND in Pierce County. She graduated from Wolford High School with the class of 1970. Ruth Ann continued her education at Mayville State College, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education in the spring of 1974. On June 29th, 1974, Ruth married the love of her life, Alban Fletschock at the Ox Creek Lutheran Church in rural Rolette. They made their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their three daughters. When the girls were old enough Ruth began a thirty-four year teaching career at St. Joseph School. In the beginning, she taught several different grades, but for the past 25 plus years Mrs. Fletschock was a beloved Kindergarten teacher. Ruth retired from teaching in May of 2013. Ruth Ann lived life the way she taught in the classroom; with vibrancy and enthusiasm. Her faith filled spirit and heart full of love is a lesson for us all. Relishing in the beauty of nature, Ruth Ann planted and tended her gardens each year and always enjoyed getting away to Alban’s family farm. She loved driving in the countryside and “road tripping” to her little rock house in Minnesota to be close to her grandchildren. Ruth Ann was a creative soul who found beauty in everything and every person. She was an avid reader who always had a book at her bedside or a sudoko & crossword puzzle at her table. Ruth’s life long passion for art extended beyond the classroom. She practiced stain glass, pen & ink, painting, mosaic and even dabbled in a little tap dancing. Ruth was a precious gift to so many children and an asset to the community. Ruth treasured her devoted loving husband, daughters and granddaughters who she always looked forward to spending time with. Ruthie was taken from us so suddenly and will be truly missed by all. Ruthie is survived by her soul mate, Alban; daughters, Amber Fletschock and her husband Michael Dagen of Hewitt, MN, Lindsey and her husband, Jamie Banister of Bertha, MN and Mackenzie Fletschock of Devils Lake; grandchildren, Hannah Bannister, age 7, Ella Banister age 6 and Lillian Banister age 3; her mother, Esther Thompson of Rugby; sisters, Marlene (Greg) Nelson, Sutton , ND and Ila Rae (Ray) LaChapelle, Walhalla, ND; brother, David Thompson, Rugby; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Althea Gronos, New Rockford, ND, Laura Rasmussen, Bismarck, ND, Gilbert and Marilyn Fletschock, Copperstown, ND, Jerome and Jeannie Fletschock, Casselton, ND and Russell and Cathy Fletschock, West Fargo, ND; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin and in-laws, George and Agnes Fletschock. Serving as Casket Bearers for Ruth Ann will be Michael Dagen, Jamie Banister, David Beck, Bernie Deplazes, Tom Burckhard and Michael Nowatzki. Reading the Scriptures will be Mackenzie Fletschock and the Gift Bearers will be Melinda (Nelson) Everson, Carla (Benson) Lee and Karen Nick. Eucharistic Ministers will be Fred & Ann Bingham and Dave & Karen Nick. Music will be provided by Sherry Kurtz and St. Joseph students and staff.