Ruth Mildred Elizabeth Gilyard
Ruth Mildred Elizabeth Gilyard, an elegant lady and mother of David (Leslie), Glenn (Chelly), and Richard (Sharon), peacefully left us Jan. 5, 2010, in her 102nd year. In addition to her sons she is survived by grandchildren Burl (Nicole), Brian (Pamala) and Kayle and great grandchildren Tierra, Jaylin and Jordyn. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lloyd; daughter, Sandra; grandson Bret; sister, Elsie; and brother, Gust. Ruth was born Jan. 9, 1908, to Swedish immigrant parents. As a girl she made neighborhood and school friendships that endure to this day. She was a Girl Scout, an outstanding student and an enthusiastic hiker. She married Lloyd, a strong Norwegian from Clear Lake, Minn., and they raised four children with love and wisdom. The center and light of Ruth's life were her husband and children, powerfully demonstrated by the loving care of her totally disabled daughter, Sandra, whom she and Lloyd cared for at home until her death at age 17. Ruth always claimed her mother was the best in the world, but her sons have now claimed that title for her. She encouraged, nudged and supported them in all they undertook, attending every PTA meeting and school concert, every Boy Scout parents meeting, advancing their talents and interests with erector and chemistry sets, career-forecasting books like "Satellite" and Saturday morning drawing classes at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Ruth radiated warmth and generosity, had a quick wit and contagious laughter. She was gracious and welcoming, engaging everyone at weddings, funerals, church celebrations or community get togethers. Long after the pews and tables were empty, and Lloyd or one of her sons was leaning in the doorway, Ruth would be deep in conversation with someone or in the process of slipping a quarter or 50-cent piece into the hand of some small child. She loved children and cats, speculating only a few days ago about whether or not she could still manage one (cat, that is). She loved good food, going out for dinner and always ordering fish. She never wanted to miss a gathering of family, friends and community and would be concerned when someone else was missing. She was the secretary for every church or community group she was a member of, a Sunday School teacher, the first volunteer candy striper coordinator for St. Olaf Residence and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Until only a few weeks ago she read the Star Tribune cover to cover each day, making bold notes in the margin, "this made me laugh," or "Save" for Glenn or David or Richard. In the days when there was a real downtown, Ruth loved meeting her friends there, shopping and having lunch at Young Quinlan and bringing home small gifts, including the latest comic books and dinner from the Nankin. Like her father, she liked and insisted on "good goods" and would rarely be seen without her heels, pearls and earrings. She was always saying, giving, doing things small and large that brightened someone's day or lightened someone's load. Perhaps one of the most visible and recurring signs of her instinct for thinking of others were the thousands of cards and letters she penned for every birthday, illness, graduation, marriage or occasion for congratulations or encouragement. No one could squeeze more news onto a post card or more joy into a letter. The sight of Ruth's sweeping bold script in the day's mail always assured that it would be the first piece opened. At 100 plus years of age, she was still sending out nearly 100 Christmas cards and making sure that everyone in her circle heard from her on their important days, and she loved receiving them. She was quite proud and amused that someone as old as she was still received scores of Christmas cards and letters. For a very long time, we thought she was our mom, our support, our special backup. We know now that she was an inspiration, source of strength and wisdom to many (what do boys know?). Central to Ruth's very long life was her strong and abiding faith in God and living a life of service. She often expressed wonder at why she lived so long and would then observe, "But, we have no say in these matters." Her gratitude for a healthy life of many blessings remained undiminished to the end. She leaves this world brighter and the people she touched richer. A special thank you to the caregivers of Augustana Health Care Center for their affection and dedication to our mother's comfort and well being. Ruth's family invites her friends and fans to celebrate and honor the life of this dignified lady, and the gift she was to each of us, at a service at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr. (Noble Ave. N. at Bassett Creek Dr.), Golden Valley, Minn. 763-588-4611. Visitation with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred.
Published in The Star Tribune on January 7, 2010
Ruth Mildred Elizabeth Gilyard, an elegant lady and mother of David (Leslie), Glenn (Chelly), and Richard (Sharon), peacefully left us Jan. 5, 2010, in her 102nd year. In addition to her sons she is survived by grandchildren Burl (Nicole), Brian (Pamala) and Kayle and great grandchildren Tierra, Jaylin and Jordyn. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lloyd; daughter, Sandra; grandson Bret; sister, Elsie; and brother, Gust. Ruth was born Jan. 9, 1908, to Swedish immigrant parents. As a girl she made neighborhood and school friendships that endure to this day. She was a Girl Scout, an outstanding student and an enthusiastic hiker. She married Lloyd, a strong Norwegian from Clear Lake, Minn., and they raised four children with love and wisdom. The center and light of Ruth's life were her husband and children, powerfully demonstrated by the loving care of her totally disabled daughter, Sandra, whom she and Lloyd cared for at home until her death at age 17. Ruth always claimed her mother was the best in the world, but her sons have now claimed that title for her. She encouraged, nudged and supported them in all they undertook, attending every PTA meeting and school concert, every Boy Scout parents meeting, advancing their talents and interests with erector and chemistry sets, career-forecasting books like "Satellite" and Saturday morning drawing classes at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Ruth radiated warmth and generosity, had a quick wit and contagious laughter. She was gracious and welcoming, engaging everyone at weddings, funerals, church celebrations or community get togethers. Long after the pews and tables were empty, and Lloyd or one of her sons was leaning in the doorway, Ruth would be deep in conversation with someone or in the process of slipping a quarter or 50-cent piece into the hand of some small child. She loved children and cats, speculating only a few days ago about whether or not she could still manage one (cat, that is). She loved good food, going out for dinner and always ordering fish. She never wanted to miss a gathering of family, friends and community and would be concerned when someone else was missing. She was the secretary for every church or community group she was a member of, a Sunday School teacher, the first volunteer candy striper coordinator for St. Olaf Residence and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Until only a few weeks ago she read the Star Tribune cover to cover each day, making bold notes in the margin, "this made me laugh," or "Save" for Glenn or David or Richard. In the days when there was a real downtown, Ruth loved meeting her friends there, shopping and having lunch at Young Quinlan and bringing home small gifts, including the latest comic books and dinner from the Nankin. Like her father, she liked and insisted on "good goods" and would rarely be seen without her heels, pearls and earrings. She was always saying, giving, doing things small and large that brightened someone's day or lightened someone's load. Perhaps one of the most visible and recurring signs of her instinct for thinking of others were the thousands of cards and letters she penned for every birthday, illness, graduation, marriage or occasion for congratulations or encouragement. No one could squeeze more news onto a post card or more joy into a letter. The sight of Ruth's sweeping bold script in the day's mail always assured that it would be the first piece opened. At 100 plus years of age, she was still sending out nearly 100 Christmas cards and making sure that everyone in her circle heard from her on their important days, and she loved receiving them. She was quite proud and amused that someone as old as she was still received scores of Christmas cards and letters. For a very long time, we thought she was our mom, our support, our special backup. We know now that she was an inspiration, source of strength and wisdom to many (what do boys know?). Central to Ruth's very long life was her strong and abiding faith in God and living a life of service. She often expressed wonder at why she lived so long and would then observe, "But, we have no say in these matters." Her gratitude for a healthy life of many blessings remained undiminished to the end. She leaves this world brighter and the people she touched richer. A special thank you to the caregivers of Augustana Health Care Center for their affection and dedication to our mother's comfort and well being. Ruth's family invites her friends and fans to celebrate and honor the life of this dignified lady, and the gift she was to each of us, at a service at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr. (Noble Ave. N. at Bassett Creek Dr.), Golden Valley, Minn. 763-588-4611. Visitation with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred.
Published in The Star Tribune on January 7, 2010
Ruth Mildred Elizabeth Gilyard
Ruth Mildred Elizabeth Gilyard, an elegant lady and mother of David (Leslie), Glenn (Chelly), and Richard (Sharon), peacefully left us Jan. 5, 2010, in her 102nd year. In addition to her sons she is survived by grandchildren Burl (Nicole), Brian (Pamala) and Kayle and great grandchildren Tierra, Jaylin and Jordyn. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lloyd; daughter, Sandra; grandson Bret; sister, Elsie; and brother, Gust. Ruth was born Jan. 9, 1908, to Swedish immigrant parents. As a girl she made neighborhood and school friendships that endure to this day. She was a Girl Scout, an outstanding student and an enthusiastic hiker. She married Lloyd, a strong Norwegian from Clear Lake, Minn., and they raised four children with love and wisdom. The center and light of Ruth's life were her husband and children, powerfully demonstrated by the loving care of her totally disabled daughter, Sandra, whom she and Lloyd cared for at home until her death at age 17. Ruth always claimed her mother was the best in the world, but her sons have now claimed that title for her. She encouraged, nudged and supported them in all they undertook, attending every PTA meeting and school concert, every Boy Scout parents meeting, advancing their talents and interests with erector and chemistry sets, career-forecasting books like "Satellite" and Saturday morning drawing classes at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Ruth radiated warmth and generosity, had a quick wit and contagious laughter. She was gracious and welcoming, engaging everyone at weddings, funerals, church celebrations or community get togethers. Long after the pews and tables were empty, and Lloyd or one of her sons was leaning in the doorway, Ruth would be deep in conversation with someone or in the process of slipping a quarter or 50-cent piece into the hand of some small child. She loved children and cats, speculating only a few days ago about whether or not she could still manage one (cat, that is). She loved good food, going out for dinner and always ordering fish. She never wanted to miss a gathering of family, friends and community and would be concerned when someone else was missing. She was the secretary for every church or community group she was a member of, a Sunday School teacher, the first volunteer candy striper coordinator for St. Olaf Residence and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Until only a few weeks ago she read the Star Tribune cover to cover each day, making bold notes in the margin, "this made me laugh," or "Save" for Glenn or David or Richard. In the days when there was a real downtown, Ruth loved meeting her friends there, shopping and having lunch at Young Quinlan and bringing home small gifts, including the latest comic books and dinner from the Nankin. Like her father, she liked and insisted on "good goods" and would rarely be seen without her heels, pearls and earrings. She was always saying, giving, doing things small and large that brightened someone's day or lightened someone's load. Perhaps one of the most visible and recurring signs of her instinct for thinking of others were the thousands of cards and letters she penned for every birthday, illness, graduation, marriage or occasion for congratulations or encouragement. No one could squeeze more news onto a post card or more joy into a letter. The sight of Ruth's sweeping bold script in the day's mail always assured that it would be the first piece opened. At 100 plus years of age, she was still sending out nearly 100 Christmas cards and making sure that everyone in her circle heard from her on their important days, and she loved receiving them. She was quite proud and amused that someone as old as she was still received scores of Christmas cards and letters. For a very long time, we thought she was our mom, our support, our special backup. We know now that she was an inspiration, source of strength and wisdom to many (what do boys know?). Central to Ruth's very long life was her strong and abiding faith in God and living a life of service. She often expressed wonder at why she lived so long and would then observe, "But, we have no say in these matters." Her gratitude for a healthy life of many blessings remained undiminished to the end. She leaves this world brighter and the people she touched richer. A special thank you to the caregivers of Augustana Health Care Center for their affection and dedication to our mother's comfort and well being. Ruth's family invites her friends and fans to celebrate and honor the life of this dignified lady, and the gift she was to each of us, at a service at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr. (Noble Ave. N. at Bassett Creek Dr.), Golden Valley, Minn. 763-588-4611. Visitation with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred.
Published in The Star Tribune on January 7, 2010
Ruth Mildred Elizabeth Gilyard, an elegant lady and mother of David (Leslie), Glenn (Chelly), and Richard (Sharon), peacefully left us Jan. 5, 2010, in her 102nd year. In addition to her sons she is survived by grandchildren Burl (Nicole), Brian (Pamala) and Kayle and great grandchildren Tierra, Jaylin and Jordyn. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lloyd; daughter, Sandra; grandson Bret; sister, Elsie; and brother, Gust. Ruth was born Jan. 9, 1908, to Swedish immigrant parents. As a girl she made neighborhood and school friendships that endure to this day. She was a Girl Scout, an outstanding student and an enthusiastic hiker. She married Lloyd, a strong Norwegian from Clear Lake, Minn., and they raised four children with love and wisdom. The center and light of Ruth's life were her husband and children, powerfully demonstrated by the loving care of her totally disabled daughter, Sandra, whom she and Lloyd cared for at home until her death at age 17. Ruth always claimed her mother was the best in the world, but her sons have now claimed that title for her. She encouraged, nudged and supported them in all they undertook, attending every PTA meeting and school concert, every Boy Scout parents meeting, advancing their talents and interests with erector and chemistry sets, career-forecasting books like "Satellite" and Saturday morning drawing classes at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Ruth radiated warmth and generosity, had a quick wit and contagious laughter. She was gracious and welcoming, engaging everyone at weddings, funerals, church celebrations or community get togethers. Long after the pews and tables were empty, and Lloyd or one of her sons was leaning in the doorway, Ruth would be deep in conversation with someone or in the process of slipping a quarter or 50-cent piece into the hand of some small child. She loved children and cats, speculating only a few days ago about whether or not she could still manage one (cat, that is). She loved good food, going out for dinner and always ordering fish. She never wanted to miss a gathering of family, friends and community and would be concerned when someone else was missing. She was the secretary for every church or community group she was a member of, a Sunday School teacher, the first volunteer candy striper coordinator for St. Olaf Residence and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Until only a few weeks ago she read the Star Tribune cover to cover each day, making bold notes in the margin, "this made me laugh," or "Save" for Glenn or David or Richard. In the days when there was a real downtown, Ruth loved meeting her friends there, shopping and having lunch at Young Quinlan and bringing home small gifts, including the latest comic books and dinner from the Nankin. Like her father, she liked and insisted on "good goods" and would rarely be seen without her heels, pearls and earrings. She was always saying, giving, doing things small and large that brightened someone's day or lightened someone's load. Perhaps one of the most visible and recurring signs of her instinct for thinking of others were the thousands of cards and letters she penned for every birthday, illness, graduation, marriage or occasion for congratulations or encouragement. No one could squeeze more news onto a post card or more joy into a letter. The sight of Ruth's sweeping bold script in the day's mail always assured that it would be the first piece opened. At 100 plus years of age, she was still sending out nearly 100 Christmas cards and making sure that everyone in her circle heard from her on their important days, and she loved receiving them. She was quite proud and amused that someone as old as she was still received scores of Christmas cards and letters. For a very long time, we thought she was our mom, our support, our special backup. We know now that she was an inspiration, source of strength and wisdom to many (what do boys know?). Central to Ruth's very long life was her strong and abiding faith in God and living a life of service. She often expressed wonder at why she lived so long and would then observe, "But, we have no say in these matters." Her gratitude for a healthy life of many blessings remained undiminished to the end. She leaves this world brighter and the people she touched richer. A special thank you to the caregivers of Augustana Health Care Center for their affection and dedication to our mother's comfort and well being. Ruth's family invites her friends and fans to celebrate and honor the life of this dignified lady, and the gift she was to each of us, at a service at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Bassett Creek Dr. (Noble Ave. N. at Bassett Creek Dr.), Golden Valley, Minn. 763-588-4611. Visitation with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred.
Published in The Star Tribune on January 7, 2010
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