IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Ruth Oryla

Ruth Oryla Larson Profile Photo

Larson

Jan 5, 1920 — Dec 10, 2020

Obituary

Please click on the video tribute below to view Ruth's graveside burial service.

Ruth O. Larson, 100, Ada, MN, died peacefully at home with her family by her side and under the care of Hospice on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Ruth Oryla Eickstadt was born at home on January 5, 1920, to Gustav and Betsy (Hazen) Eickstadt of Mahnomen, MN. After graduating from Mahnomen High School, Ruth began working at local restaurants and a grocery store. Ruth was united in marriage to Donovan Alfred Larson, on March 30, 1941. They lived briefly in Oregon, before settling in Mahnomen, and later moving to Ada.

At a young age, Ruth learned the value of hard work and dedication, acquiring skills to achieve a long and successful career in the hospitality and restaurant business. Ruth and Don built, owned, and managed several businesses over the years both in Mahnomen and Ada, MN. Those businesses included the Midtown Motel, the Norman Motel and Steakhouse, Chi Chi's Restaurant and K.K.'s Supper Club. Ruth will be fondly remembered as a savvy business woman with a feisty attitude and a tough, but fair boss with a generous heart. Ruth enjoyed many years as an active member of her community and her church and was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, in Ada.

Upon retirement, Ruth and Don moved to the country and Ruth soon became accustomed to a very different lifestyle, but did continue to host, entertain, and cook for family and friends. At her new home, she gardened, did lawn work, enjoyed being outdoors, and became a fulltime grandma. Ruth especially treasured the times spent with her grandchildren, teaching them valuable life skills and the art of good cooking. Ruth leaves behind a legacy of talented new generation cooks who fondly remember the times spent with their grandma Ruth in her kitchen making and eating great homemade food and they will forever cherish special memories of staying at her home.

Ruth is survived by her children, Donavon (Gail Clark), and Dale Larson, Vancouver B.C. Canada, Claudia "Chi Chi" Larson, Ada, MN, Barry (Sherry), San Tan Valley, AZ, K.K. (Cindy), Breckenridge, MN, and Colleen (John) Germolus, Borup, MN; grandchildren, Donovan (Ali) Larson and Erin Larson, Scott (Stephanie) Larson, Kellie (Scott) Tenge, Kris (Lisa) Larson, Andy (Theresa) Larson, Kyle (Missy) Larson, Kendra (Darrin) Bartz, Alessa (Josh Heitman) Germolus, Austen (Amy) Germolus, and Katie (Nick) Ellefson; great-grandchildren: Sophie Larson, Aiden, Owen and Ian Larson, Mason, Madalynn, Marrek,  Myles Tenge, Kalvin and Lauren Larson, David and Sarah Lucht, Luke and Ada Larson, Briella and Brooks Larson, Ethan and Elijah Bartz, Ava and Siri Heitman, and Oden and Thorin Germolus; and sisters, Esther Nereim and June Haas.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Betsy; her husband of 76 years, Don; granddaughter, Brooklyne Joleen Fischer; brothers, Louis and Ivan; and sisters, Gladyce, Hazelle, Laura and Hella.

Condolences may be sent to: Colleen Germolus, 2373 County Highway 39, Borup, Minnesota, 56519.

Graveside Service: 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Ada Municipal Cemetery.

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