Obituary of RUTH ODEGARD CRASSWELLER

Ruth O. Crassweller passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016 at the age of 94, with her grandson Jess and good friend Charlotte with her. She was born in Princeton, Minn., on June 8, 1922, to Mabel and O.J. Odegard. Ruth graduated from high school in 1940, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics at the University of Minnesota in 1944. Ruth met her husband to be Donald at the University where they fell in love, married and spent 60 wonderful years together. Ruth was a very strong, driven, yet compassionate woman who loved to stay busy, whether it was working on a project or entertaining friends and guests. Early in her career her focus was on being a professional mother and improving the quality of education in any way she could. When her sons were in primary schools, Ruth was an active member of the PTA at both Lakeside and Ordean schools. In 1962, Ruth was elected to her first of three terms on the Duluth School Board, including serving as president from 1965 - 1969. She was the character and spiritual life chairperson of the City Wide PTA council; was president of the Arrowhead Home Economics Association; president of the PEO Sisterhood and promoter of the WHY (women helping youth) program in the Duluth public schools. She also was an active member of the American Association of University Women. In 1968, Ruth became a member of the Minnesota School Board Association and served on the State Advisory Council on Vocational Education from 1969 to 1971. Ruth was recognized for her dedicated work and in 1971 was appointed by President Richard Nixon and again in 1974 reappointed by President Gerald Ford to serve on the Board of the National Advisory Council on Extension and Continuing Education. (One of only 12 public members from throughout the United States). Her love and dedication to community service reached countless organizations for which she volunteered, including The Red Cross, Newcomers Club, Lawyers Wives, Duluth Women's Institute, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Duluth Women's Republican Club, summer opportunity for youth committee... just to name a few. Ruth and Don together were also active members of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church and Northland Country Club. From 1971 to 1973, she produced and hosted a noon time television show "The Scene Today" for WDSM TV. She had a lifelong love for the clothing industry and in 1973, became the fashion coordinator and public relations director for the Glass Block department stores in Duluth. Later in life, Ruth would continue to set good examples and help others when and wherever she could. All her life what Ruth loved most was entertaining family, relatives, friends, and visitors at her home. She loved to cook big, hearty meals and was well known for making the most incredible variety of Christmas cookies and giving a plate full to anyone and everyone to take home. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; brother, Robert Odegard; and sister, Phyllis Thompson. Ruth is survived and will be greatly missed by her family, including sons, James (Barbara), and Thomas (Renee); grandchildren, Denise, Lee, Jess and Nicole; along with six great-grandchildren. Ruth also loved and cared so deeply for her kind friend and guardian angel Charlotte Boyd who uplifted her and was there for her at all times. The family would like to thank the amazing staff and caregivers at Diamond Willow in Proctor for their professionalism, patience, compassion and care they gave to Ruth and to all of the residents. INFORMAL SERVICE: 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12, followed by a celebration of life at 11:30 in Lakeside Presbyterian Church. Donations should be directed to the National Parkinson's Foundation.