Torkelson – Ruth Naomi Torkelson of Tilley, beloved wife of the late Ben Torkelson, passed away in Tilley on August 4th, 2004 at the age of 91 years. Born in Reid, Maryland on July 17th, 1913 to Adam and Ella Baer, Ruth in her early childhood moved with her mother and family to Pinola, PA. As a youth she committed her life to Christ as her Lord and Savior, and became a member of the Mennonite Church. At the age of 26 she came to Duchess to visit her Uncle Sam Martin, while there she met her future husband Ben Torkelson. They were married on March 19th, 1941 and made their home on a farm near Duchess, until Ben’s passing 58 years later in 1999. Ruth later moved to Tilley with her daughter Ruth, where she had resided since. She was predeceased by her husband Ben and a daughter Anna Mae. Ruth is survived by 5 daughters and 6 sons, Ella Kropf (Owen) of LaGrande, OR; Evelyn Baer (Peter) of Loleta, CA; Nelson (Marion) of Cheyenne, WY; Ken (Martha) of Duchess; Harold (Lavina) of LaCrete, AB; Herbert (Dorothy) of Duchess; Howard (Arlene) of Coaldale; Sharon Troyer (Lorne) of Payette, ID; Ruth Kropf (Ellis) of Tilley; Dennis (Dorene) of Calasio, Philippines; Rhoda Miller (James) of Tilley; 96 grandchildren, and 111 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 11th from the Duchess Mennonite Church. Bishop Clarence Miller officiating. Active Pallbearers are Ruth’s sons Nelson, Ken, Harold, Herbert, Howard and Dennis. In memory of Ruth, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Ambulance Association, Box 1906, Brooks T1R 1C6. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or (866) 362-4652.
