Ruth Leonard

Ruth H. Leonard, age 90, of Willmar, died Friday evening, July 2, at Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home.

Her memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 7, at the First Baptist Church. A private burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Funeral arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.

Ruth Harriet Leonard was born on April 13, 1920, in Ideal, South Dakota, the daughter of Elof and Elizabeth (Larson) Lantz. She grew up in Ideal and graduated from Winner High School in 1938 of which her means of transportation to school was by way of horseback. She was self-employed in cleaning service and secretarial duties in Mitchell, SD. On November 15, 1940, Ruth was united in marriage to Claude E. Leonard. They lived in Clark and Milbank, SD., before moving to Willmar in 1946. She worked hard as a homemaker raising five children. She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially caramel rolls and Boston brown bread. Ruth was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church and was active in various church womens groups. She also volunteered with the local PTA organizations.

She is survived by five children, Miriam Lindstrom of Willmar, Lantz (and Mary) Leonard of Chanhassen, Bonnie Johnson of Rockford, IL., Lori (and Rev. K.J.) Kenfield of The Philippines, and Philip (and Cynthia) Leonard of Grantsburg, WI.; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Claude in 2003; four brothers, three in infancy and Morgan; one sister, Adeline; one granddaughter, Cassandra and one great grandson.