Ruth Elizabeth Willson

Ruth Elizabeth Willson, 90, was called to the Lord on Oct. 1, 2014, at the Sunrise Manor assisted living home in Palmer.

Ruth and her late husband, Merton, were one of the original homesteaders in Eagle River.

She was born Sept. 19, 1924, in Volga, South Dakota. Ruth was an incredible homemaker. She dedicated her life to her husband and her children. She loved to garden, crochet, knit, sew and cook. She made many different things for all her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids over the years. Ruth was known for the wallets she made. In total, she made close to 200 and sold many of them at craft bazaars over the years. She had a green thumb and the display of flowers at her house in the summer was sight to see. Ruth was a servant of the Lord and a respected member at the King of King’s Lutheran Church in Wasilla. She amazed many with the gentle strength she displayed.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Axel and Lillian Smith; and sons, Phillip, Robert, and Steve Willson.

Surviving are her brother, Dennis Johnston and children, David Willson, Sylvia Yetter, and Renee Milan; 17 grandkids; 35 great-grandkids; and two great-great grandkids.

Ruth’s service is at 4 p.m., Oct. 9 at the King of King’s Lutheran Church in Wasilla.