Ruby E. Ovaldson, 97, of Twin Valley, MN, went to her heavenly home Friday, June 10, 2016, in the Twin Valley Living Center.

Ruby Elvina Chilton was born March 24, 1919, in Mahnomen, MN, the daughter of Leo and Elvina (LaDue) Chilton. She was raised in the Mahnomen area and as a teenager attended school at Pipestone, MN. Ruby graduated from high school in Haskle, KS. In the fall of 1938, she was united in marriage to Elster Ovaldson. For the first few years of their marriage, the couple made their home near Syre, MN, before moving into Twin Valley. Elster and Ruby were blessed with 11 children. Ruby was an excellent cook and baker, tended a large garden and sewed many clothes for her family, including wedding dresses. In 1967, they moved to New Brighton, MN. Elster passed away in 1991 and Ruby continued to live in their home until returning to Mahnomen in 1999. Ruby has lived at the Twin Valley Living Center for the past 8 years. She was a wonderful person and made many friends. Ruby was a devout Catholic and had a personal relationship with Jesus and Mary.

After her kids were grown, Ruby had various jobs which included cleaning, working at nursing homes and Honeywell, from which she retired at 62.  Ruby spent a few months in 1982 in New York where she had the privilege of working with Mother Theresa assisting AID's patients. After that, she became a world traveler, taking pilgrimages to Germany, Rome, Israel, Mexico, Canada, and Croatia to name a few.

She is survived by four daughters: Donna (Thomas) Leibrich of Fridley, MN, Gaye (Richard) Jacobson of Wahkon, MN, Bonaventure "Bonnie" (Larry) Mackowick of Moorhead, MN and Mary (Howard) Hanson of Watertown, MN; two sons, Floyd of Mahnomen and Eric of Columbia Heights, MN, two sisters, Annie Bement of Fosston, MN and Betty Johnson of White Earth, MN, three brothers: Delano of Virginia, Wayne and Virgil both of Billings, MT;. 30 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Elster, two daughters: Laurie Ann and Sandra; three sons: Morris, Tony and Marty; one sister, seven brothers, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 pm followed by Rosary, at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Interment took place at St. William Cemetery, Twin Valley, MN.