Ruth Ekstrum

Ruth Blass Ekstrum, formerly of Axtell, died January 26, 2007 at Extended Care Hospital, Westminster, California.
She was born August 8, 1912 in Beloit, Kansas the daughter of Benoni and Jenny Blass. In her early years the family moved to Frankfort, Kansas where she attended and graduated from Frankfort High School.
She married Oscar Ekstrum June 6, 1931. They remained in the Salem area farming until 1944. At that time they moved to Hawthorne, California. They moved several times between Minnesota and California but permanently lived in California after 1953.
Ruth was always active in church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was also a Girl Scout leader. Ruth went back to school and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1960. She worked as an LVN until she was 75 years of age. Ruth enjoyed sewing, crocheting and quilting. She loved being involved with children and was especially happy that her first great grandchild was born on her birthday.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Oscar and a son, Norman.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Grady, Costa Mesa, California; six grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. She was always a big part of her family and she will be missed.
Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2007 at the Salem Lutheran Church. There was a family visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Rev. Christine Iverson was the minister. Soloist was Terry Nanninga and organist was Kelsey Ekstrum. Terry sang "Children of the Heavenly Father" and the congregation sang "Beautiful Savior", "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "How Great Thou Art". Burial was in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Mosaic Foundation, 4980 S. 118th St., Omaha, Nebraska 68137. Landreth-Popkess Funeral Home, Axtell is in charge of arrangements.