Ruth Agnes Anderson

Ruth Agnes Anderson, 71, passed away on July 7, 2021 in Rapid City, SD.
Ruth was born on May 30, 1950 in Philip, SD to Gilbert (Shorty) and Pearl Oldenberg.  Ruth’s mom passed away when Ruth was just 3 years old.  Her Dad and other family members made sure that Ruth and her siblings were loved and well taken care of as they grew up on the family ranch north of Cottonwood, SD.  As she grew up, Ruth enjoyed visiting neighbors in the country, ice skating, parties, and dances.  She attended Miller School through 8th grade and graduated from Philip High School in 1969.
After high school, Ruth moved to Rapid City where she met Don Anderson.  They were married on November 28, 1970.  They made their home in Rapid City.  Two daughters, Jodi and Jackie, then joined the family.  Ruth loved working and held various jobs over the years including working as a CNA, in a bakery, Millstone Restaurant, K-Mart, North Middle School, and finally retiring from Western Dakota Tech.
Ruth enjoyed being active as long as her health allowed.  She loved visiting over coffee, going out to lunch with friends, family game nights, playing Mexican Train, Hart Ranch rodeos, and attending church.  She enjoyed several trips to Washington State to visit her beloved family.  She looked forward to yearly summer visits from her brother-in-law and buddy, Allen Anderson.  Ruth loved her little dog, Zoey.  Another highlight for Ruth was the Oldenberg family reunion each summer.  Ruth adored each of her four grandsons and cherished every visit from them.  More than anything, Ruth loved her family and friends and spending as much time with them as possible.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Don; daughters Jodi and son-in-law Paul Jones, Jackie Ballengee; grandsons Ayden Jones, Logan Hale, Ethan Jones, and Devyn Ballengee; sisters Kathy (Bob) Hamann, Nellie (Henry) Chapell; brother Dan (Esther) Oldenberg; sister-in-law Melva (Hal) Wilson and Judy Kristofferson; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Shorty and Pearl Oldenberg; and in-laws, Pete and Fanny Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Visitation was held Monday, July 12, 2021 from 5:00-7:00pm at Kirk Funeral Home.
Funeral services were Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 11:00am at First Wesleyan Church with Pastor Steve Selfridge officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery in Rapid City, SD. A live-stream of the funeral service will be available at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/us er/RCFirstWesleyan