Watch Susan's Memorial Service

Susan Virginia Ruud, age 71, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the Benedictine Living Community in Ada, MN.  She was born on September 1, 1954, to Virgil and Edna Nelson, and was the first baby welcomed to their small dairy farm near Gary, MN. Susan grew up helping her dad in his workshop and fields, playing with barn kittens and calves, growing flowers and vegetables, learning to sew and embroider with mom, and exploring nature. Her love of animals and plants began on the fertile prairie of The Red River Valley that she loved so much.

Susan was confirmed in the 10th grade at St. Petri Lutheran Church, where she was an active and valued member. She later became a member of Gary Lutheran Church where she enjoyed quilting and Bible study, remaining a member until her passing. Susan attended school in Twin Valley and contributed greatly to the choir and band programs, graduating with the class of 1972. She attended Moorhead Technical College and received an associate degree in Fashion Merchandising and later earned an associate degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Susan was a talented musician and could always find the right notes while singing, and played clarinet, oboe, and saxophone in the 188th National Guard Army Band. She traveled around the world entertaining our troops and retired from the Guard in 2014.

Susan married Jerome Ruud on August 12, 1995, on their farm in rural Twin Valley. The beautiful flower gardens and rustic farm items provided a spectacular backdrop for them to begin their married life. Jerome and Susan tended impressive gardens for many years, making their own salsa and pickling asparagus, beets, and green beans long before it became trendy. They worked together to create unique and stunning flower beds and walking trails through the woods. Susan enjoyed taking her beloved dogs for frequent walks on the trails. Their family property also created a place for lasting memories such as the yearly deer camp, target practice for their nieces and nephews, and impromptu gatherings for friends and family.

After Jerome's passing in 2023, Susan remained on the homestead until declining health led her to move to the Benedictine Living Community. There, she was well loved and compassionately cared for by the staff, while family and friends cherished time with her through visits, painting, and gardening together.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome Ruud, and her parents, Virgil and Edna Nelson. She is survived by her siblings, Jeanette Rosenheim (Fargo, ND), Sharon (Rourk) Sheehan, Pueblo, CO, Cindy (Tom) Nelson Bemidji, MN, Mike (Angie) Nelson, Ada, MN and Bruce Nelson, Ada, MN. She is also survived by many extended family members and in-laws, Gina Giesen, Rick Ruud, Debbie Bayer, Diane Miller, and Vicki Fraser.

Susan was a creative, caring, and compassionate person who will be deeply remembered for the love she showed others. Whether quilting, making costumes and decorations, writing thoughtful cards and letters to friends and family, or caring for aging parents, Susan expressed her love through countless acts of service and kindness.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 12, at 11:00 a.m. with fellowship to follow at the Gary Lutheran Church in Gary. Inurnment will take place on Friday, June 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Petri Cemetery, rural Gary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Susan's name to the following organizations:

The Benedictine Foundation--Ada , 201 9th St W #3, Ada, MN 56510 Donate to BLC Ada Foundation online here

Essentia Ada Foundation: EMS Department Health--Ada , 201 9th Street West, Ada, MN 56510 Donate to Essentia Foundation online here

Humane Society of the Lakes (Detroit Lakes) 19665 US 59, Detroit Lakes, 56501

The St. Petri Cemetery Fund , 4542 230th Ave, Gary, MN 56545