Ruth Ellen Thompson

Ruth Ellen Thompson died on June 18, 2023, at Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.

Ruth was born on March 15, 1963, in Benson, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. She graduated from Benson High School in 1981 and from Moorhead State College in Moorhead, MN, in 1985 with degrees in social work and business administration.

Ruth’s social work career first took her to southern Minnesota where she met her husband, Lynn. They moved to Duluth where she worked in social work at St. Louis County until her retirement three years ago. Ruth and Lynn loved the beauty of Duluth and traveling.

Ruth’s mission in life was to help people; through her career as a social worker, as a caretaker for her father at the end of his days and for her mother in her final years. She loved visiting with family and conversing with people from all walks of life.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Lynn Bode of Duluth; siblings, Stephen (Noreen), Jeanne Martz, Mary (Steve) Smith, James (Tammy); foster brother, Scott Pham; 14 nieces and nephews; 9 grandnieces and grandnephews; and many cousins. She is also survived by stepson, Ryan (Holly) Bode and their 4 children; stepdaughter, Sarah (Oz) Tarrell and their daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Donna.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to Damiano Center, 206 W 4th St #214, Duluth, MN 55806.

Private service for family members only.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.