Ruth Ann Clara Ecklund was born in Hinckley Township on February 4, 1941, to George and Anna Gimpl. She lived on a farm outside of Hinckley with her parents, an older sister and four older brothers until 1956, when she moved into town with her mother following her father's death. She attended high school in Hinckley and graduated in 1959.

Ruth Ann met the love of her life and husband of nearly 62 years, John Ecklund, in 1960 at Happy's Dance Hall north of Hinckley. Ruth Ann married John on January 12, 1963, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hinckley. After marriage, they resided in Duluth for a year where Ruth Ann found work at the Duluth National Bank while John finished his studies at UMD. After Duluth, the happy couple moved to Minneapolis, then to LeSueur, then to Osseo. During these years, Ruth Ann worked at several banks as she followed John from job to job. The couple made lifelong friends at each location. In 1968, Ruth Ann and John, along with their infant daughter, moved to the Ecklund dairy farm east of Askov when John's parents retired from farming. Ruth Ann had only one hard rule when she agreed to move to the farm -- she would NOT milk cows! They shared the work of dairy farming and childrearing. Ruth Ann fed cows and calves, performed various barn chores, and operated field machinery (particularly at harvest). She was the primary caregiver for their four children. In general, she kept her promise to never milk cows, but during one instance when John was hospitalized briefly, she rose to the challenge and helped milk cows with their sons for several days until John recovered.

Ruth Ann and John were blessed with four children: Michelle, Daniel, David and Erik. In Ruth Ann's eyes, each was remarkable – there was nothing she loved more than her family. She showered her children, 8 grandchildren, and great-granddaughter with love and baked goods. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren for her chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cake, caramel corn and rhubarb jam. She loved vacationing, camping, playing cards, watching sports (especially the Twins), enjoying the coziness of "The Shack" and every other opportunity to be with her family.  Every single time she gathered with family, she would remark, "We are so lucky!"  Family and friends will never forget her joy of life, perpetual smile and infectious giggle.

In addition to family and farm activities, Ruth Ann was active in many community affairs, including being a local poll worker, a 4-H leader, a member of the East Side Sewing Circle, a member of the Sacred Heart Church Council, and a board member of the American Dairy Association (18 years). She was a fixture at the ice cream stand at the Askov Fair for many years. While her children were in school, Ruth Ann actively supported drama and athletic activities. She continued to help screen vision and hearing for preschool and elementary children for many years afterward.

Ruth Ann was selfless in every aspect of her life.  She cared deeply about the wellness and happiness of others, especially the weak or oppressed, and always put others before herself.  She died peacefully at home on Christmas Day surrounded by her loving family.  Ruth Ann will be sorely missed by family, friends and the community.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna, and siblings, Pearl, Richard and Arnold.  She is survived by her husband, John; children, Michelle Olson (Paul), Dan Ecklund (Leah Dietrich), David Ecklund (Dennis Bickham) and Erik Ecklund (Katie); and brothers, Clarence and Eugene.  She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Andrew, Dana, Michael, Allison, Lauren, Daniel, Milo and Dax, and great-granddaughter, Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ruth Ann's name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at givenow.lls.org.

A memorial service will be held for Ruth Ann at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 8, 2024 at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Sandstone, MN with Father Sirba officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2024. at Methven Funeral Home, Sandstone, MN, as well as 1 hour prior to services at church.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.