Ella Ruth "Ruth" BUNCH

Of Woodbury, MN Passed away peacefully on September 21, 2022 at the age of 84 after a long battle with kidney and heart disease. She is survived by her sister Clare of Casper WY, son William and daughter-in-law Julie, White Bear Township MN, with grandchildren Samantha and Steven (Jordan), all of St Paul MN, son Carl of Fort Myers FL, and daughter Ellen and partner Pete of Barrington Hills IL, niece Ann (Tom) of Omaha NE and nephew Andy (Jessie) of Casper WY. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Ella and Carl Wagner, and her beloved husband William (Bill). Born to Ella and Carl Wagner in Waterloo Iowa, Ruth graduated from West Waterloo Iowa high school, received a Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree from Iowa State Teachers College, and began doctoral work in British Literature at the University of Iowa. Ruth taught English and was a librarian in many schools throughout her career. Ruth met and married William Franklin Bunch while singing in the church choir while they were both attending the University of Iowa. They married on December 25th, 1962. Throughout her life, Ruth enjoyed playing music and singing. Ruth and Bill moved many times following their teaching careers, living in Iowa City IA, Fargo ND, Flagstaff AZ, Valdosta GA, St Cloud MN, Oak Park IL, and Corpus Christi TX. They moved to Woodbury MN in 2007, where Ruth spent her last 15 years, to be closer to family and an active part of her grandchildren's lives. At Stonecrest she was involved with Writer's Workshop, Quilts of Valor, Marvelous Mitten Makers, and Spirit Choir. Her faith and spirit for giving were strong, spending hours knitting hundreds of pairs of mittens and helping make quilts for donation. Visitation will be at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive Woodbury MN at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 5th, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm. WULFF 651-738-9615 WulffWoodburyFuneralHome.com