Ruth "Ziggy" Ziegler • 1922- 2011

Our beloved Mother Ruth, “Ziggy”, passed unto our lord November 25th, 2011 surrounded by family and friends in Reno, NV. She demonstrated great strength in her passing, as she did throughout her life.

Ruth was born May 19, 1922 in Fall River, MA a daughter of John and Esther (Ross) Morrell. She was raised there and graduated from Durfee High School in 1940. After graduation she went to work as a factory seamstress. Ruth met a handsome Navy man from Orrin, ND, Peter Ziegler, and they married in Fall River on October 7, 1944. After serving in the US Navy during WWII, They moved back to Minot to make their home. They were blessed with three children; Peter Jr., born in Fall River and Kathleen and Colleen both born in Minot.

Ruth went to work for Montgomery Wards Dept. Store working her way to catalog manager. In her 3 years as catalog manager, her department was ranked highest in the region for two consecutives years, earning a trip to Minneapolis and made “Queen” for a Day. In 1971 she began a 25 year career in real estate starting with AAA (Allen) Realty. She then went to work for Minot Realty, (now Coldwell Banker), Century 21 Peoples Choice and Marsland Realty. She was on the Minot Board of Realtors and member of the Realtors’ Political Action Committee. While working with Marslands they purchased the First Avenue Building in downtown Minot, and Ruth immediately started work to have the building added to the National Register of Historic Places. Ruth was a past member of the National Historical Society and once president of the Minot Preservation Society. When the arched Eastwood Park Bridge was to be demolished, she established to preserve it and was the first structure in the Minot Region to be placed on the National Register for Historic Preservation. After retiring, Ruth realized it wasn’t for her so she found the best of both worlds, work and fun. Ruth worked as a Tour Coordinator for the Gold Dust Casino in Deadwood, SD.

Ruth was an active participant in her children’s education and served in various capacities such as room mother, PTA, Cub Scout Leader and Girl Scout Leader. Ruth's passions besides taking care of her family was her church and taking care of her community. Ruth was a proud lifetime member of All Saints Episcopal Church. She served as a vestry member and loved working with her Guild members. Ruth served both as President and Chairman of the Annual Bazaar. She was also a delegate to several conventions and served on the Altar Guild up until her illness. As President of the Episcopal Church Women, she chaired All Saints Annual Tasting Tea and established the first Annual Art show, both as fundraisers. She was extremely active as a volunteer, numerous fundraising efforts and community affairs. She always showed a great curiosity of the world and had a keen awareness of current events. Ruth started her volunteering as a Grey Lady of the Red Cross during WWII and stayed an active volunteer for over 20 years. After moving to Minot, she was trained by the USAF in 1954, as an aircraft observer and became a member of the Ground Observer Corps at the Radar Base. Ruth was a life long member of the DAV auxiliary. She belonged to the VFW auxiliary and was a Life member of VFW National Home for Children. She belonged to the Eagles Auxiliary, was a charter member of the Elkettes, Legion, Boys town, March of Dimes, Easter Seals, and the Moose Club where she was a Mooseheart Honorary Citizen. Ruth was a leading successful advocate for the Minot Meals on Wheels Program and faithfully delivered meals for years. She belonged to Quota Club, and American Business Woman Association serving as President. She was a member of the Minot Symphony League serving as Hospitality Chairman. Ruth volunteered at every medical facility in Minot. Ruth was recognized by RSVP and received the National Award for National and Community Service. She also served as President of D.R.I.S. for the Blind. Ruth loved her work with 2nd Story and serving several years with the Minot Mayors Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities from which she received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Ruth belonged to the Minot Chamber of Commerce-Military Affairs. She was the driving force behind the first annual Family Picnic and Fair, bringing together the Minot and AFB communities. It featured a corn roast, with an estimated 10,000 ears, which Guinness Record Organizers attended to see if would make the Guinness Book of World Records. Ruth was proud to be a record holding AFA Member. She played a major role in establishing the Minot AFA Chapter and served both as Minot Chapter and State President and board member. Ruth received many awards and Certificates from MAFB and AFA. Ruth was presented with the National Medal of Merit Award. She was privileged to have flown with the Strategic Air Command Combat Crew. Ruth also visited several other bases representing MAFB and the AFA. Ruth was very proud and campaigned very hard to have the first chapter of the Young Astronauts of USA organized in Minot. As state President of the AFA, she felt it very important to prepare students for a technological future and possible development of a curriculum in the schools.

Ruth was known for many skills and unique interests, a real zest for life. When Ruth finally retired, she loved spending time with her friends, quick witted and “neve” loosing that Boston accent. She was an avid bridge and whist player, golfer, bowler, cook, bingo player, and loved her music and gardening. She enjoyed entertaining, Holiday dinners, and her annual 4th of July picnics honing her skills and reputation as an excellent cook. Ruth was adventurous and loved to travel along with her husband Pete, they traveled extensively around the world forming lasting friendships crossing several generations.

The details of her life reflected her high visibility as a member of the Minot community. Her family and friends saw her as a realistic visionary. It is a legacy of love, hard work and laughter that she has left for all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Those who shared in her life; daughters; Kathleen Kelley, San Jose, CA; Colleen (Keith) Timm, Reno, NV; 3 Grandchildren; Fuzzy Barajas, Scotts Valley, CA, Alison Smith, Kenmare, ND and Ian Niess, of Nashville, TN,  2 Great-Grandchildren; Jewels Barajas, and Goldie Barajas, both of Scotts Valley, CA, sister-in-law, Clara(Ziegler)Gilderhus, several  nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruth was preceded in death by; her parents, John and Esther, her husband, Peter L. Sr., her son, Peter L.  Jr., her Sister Helen Dunn, her brother Kenneth Longshaw and many in-laws.

Funeral: Saturday, December 17 at 11:00 Am., All Saints Episcopal Church, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Friday, December 16, from noon to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment: immediately following church service, at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
There will be a luncheon served at All Saints, downstairs in the fellowship area starting after service

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the 2nd Story and The Minot Mayors Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

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