Ruth Howard, age 58, of Strawberry Lake, MN, died Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, MN.

Ruth Ann Williams was born September 26, 1949 in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of James and Florence (Riffel) Williams. She grew up in the St Louis area and graduated from Webster Grove High School in 1967. Ruth was united in marriage to Dale Howard and through this union she had two daughters, Michelle and Angela. Ruth was later blessed with three more daughters, Julie, Elizabeth, and Rachael. While raising her girls, Ruth worked various jobs in St. Louis. In the mid-1980?s, Ruth moved to Strawberry Lake, MN, where she purchased a farm. She has independently farmed and raised horses since that time. Since November of 2006, Ruth has courageously battled cancer.

Ruth was an avid traveler and had the opportunity to visit both England and Ireland. From 1993 until 1999, Ruth was appointed to the Governor's Council on Partners and Policy where she served as an advocate for disabled children. She was passionate about politics and was always ready for a debate. She greatly enjoyed jazz music and often played the piano. She loved going to rodeos and truly treasured working with her horses. Ruth loved her grandchildren and cherished the time she was able to spend with her family.

Ruth is survived by her mother, Florence Williams of St. Louis, MO; her life companion, Leo Zaviska; five daughters, Michelle (Carl) Stanley of Menaga, MN, Angela (Jerry) Heinen of Rogers, AR, and Julie (Santiago) Quiroz, Elizabeth Brinkmann, and Rachel Howard all of Mahnomen; three brothers, James, Steven, and Thomas; four sisters, Jane Ryder, Karen Stinger, Martha Fererro, and Mary Williams; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Alaina, Adela, Dalton, Tanaya, Marcus, and Fernando; and one great grandchild, Raven.

She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Jon.