Ruth Ann Carstensen

Ruth Ann Carstensen, age 75, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at her home near Philip.
Ruth Ann Carstensen was born January 27, 1945 in Ute, Iowa. The daughter of Albert and LaMorne (Stegmann) Whitenack. When she was one year old her family moved to Nebraska. At the age of eight the family moved to Schleswig, Iowa where she grew up and received her education. After graduating high school, Ruth Ann attended the University of North Dakota.
On April 4, 1972, she was united in marriage to Charles "Chuck" Carstensen and to this union were born four children: Cheryl, Randy, Tammi, and Melody. She started working at Philip Heath Care in 1972 and later became the dietary manager. Ruth Ann continued working there until retiring in 2011.
Ruth Ann enjoyed being around children and was a foster parent for sixteen years. She always found time to spend with her grandchildren. She loved to read to them and take long walks. She also enjoyed playing music with her husband and played for many dances at the Philip Nursing Home.
Survivors include her husband Chuck Carstensen of Philip; one son Randy (Bounyeng) Carstensen of Albertville, Minnesota; three daughters: Cheryl Reyes of Halbrook, Arizona, Tammi Schofield of Philip, and Melody (Tony) Kelly of Black Hawk; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers William Whitenack and Paul (Erla) Whitenack both of Iowa; two sisters Marcella Buchanan of Missouri, and Sue Ibach of Iowa; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers Howard Whitenack as an infant and LeRoy Whitenack; one sister LaJune Pauley; a granddaughter Sarina Carstensen; and a son-in-law Dave Reyes.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Breast Cancer Society or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
A come and go viewing will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Private funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip. Due to church guidelines the service is limited to family only, but a live stream of the funeral and graveside service will be provided on this webpage at the start of the service.
Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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