Ruth Marie Booman passed away on March 13 in Minnetonka, Minnesota at the age of 101. She was born in St. Paul and was a loving daughter of Jack and Ruth Saul. Ruth was one of the first women to earn a physical therapy degree from the University of Minnesota. She was also a long time member of Unity Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Ruth was a life-long learner with an inquisitive nature and a wide range of interests. She was especially interested in the natural world and an avid visitor to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Her front lawn was, at one time, dedicated to an abundance of wildflowers and she had an extensive knowledge of birds, including their habitat and calls. She appreciated art and also constructed a wide range of pottery artifacts. While not a musician herself, as a regular attendee of symphony performances in both Minnesota and Arizona, she cultivated an appreciation of music. She kept current with daily reading of the newspaper as well as watching the PBS Newshour. She was physically fit as a result of her skiing, tennis, golf, hiking, square dancing and most importantly, swimming. 

Ruth always put people first and willingly gave of herself to improve the lives of others; whether it was supporting her family or helping people in the senior community where she lived for the last eight years of her life. Those who were fortunate enough to be in her sphere of influence were blessed by her spirit, assistance, and compassion. 

Her devotion to her family was of paramount importance to her and, whenever possible, she attended her family’s events. Whether it was waterskiing at age 80 or engaging in good-hearted fun, Ruth was an integral part of family events. She was in attendance at her great granddaughter’s gymnastics practice a short time before her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wes Booman, and her daughter Bonnie Booman as well as her longtime partner Paul Siegler.

She is survived by her daughter Barbara (Tim) Ilse, her son Jack Booman, eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. 

Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or PBS (Public Broadcasting Service). 

Memorial celebration will be June 28 at Amira Choice in Minnetonka, 2004 Plymouth Road, at 2 PM.