Obituary of Ruth Burkstrand

Burkstrand, Ruth (Maid) of Wayzata, MN, formerly of Marco Island, Florida and Troy, New York, passed away on December 23, 2016 at the age of 95. Ruth Burkstrand was born in East Grand Forks, Minnesota on October 19, 1921 and at the age of ten, moved to Fargo, North Dakota. She attended the University of Minnesota where she earned a B.S. in Biology. There she met her husband Alden. They married in 1943. Later they moved to Troy, New York and raised three sons. Alden worked for the Arrow Shirt Company and Ruth worked and participated in the community in several ways. She served as president of the PTA for Our Lady of Victory School, was a Cub Scout leader for several years, taught Biology at Troy High School, and was a literacy volunteer under the Barbara Bush Literacy Initiative. Living in Upstate New York, she often rode the train to Manhattan for Broadway plays and visits to the art museums. Ruth and Alden were ardent bridge players and joined bridge clubs wherever they resided. Ruth was also an avid reader and enjoyed books from all venues. Ruth moved to the Meridian Manor assisted living facility in Wayzata, Minnesota in December of 2007 from Marco Island, Florida where she and Alden retired. While in Marco Island, she taught English to Hispanic students for four years. Alden died there in November, 2007. Ruth is survived by her two sons James (Marilyn) of Green Valley, AZ and Thomas (Michele Devereaux) of Monroe, Michigan, a sister Mary Rae Anderson of Maplewood, MN, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, five nieces and two nephews. Sadly she was pre-deceased by her husband, a son David, a brother Michael Maid, and a niece Kathryn Maid. Cremation has taken place. Interment of her cremains will be in the memorial garden of the Marco Lutheran Church in Marco Island, Florida alongside her husband's cremains. This service will occur on Feb. 23, 2017 at 11:00 am.