Betty Jean "Jeanne" Ruth

Betty Jean “Jeanne” Ruth passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 29th, 2025, at Diamond Willow in Cloquet, MN.

Jeanne was born in Alexandria, Minnesota on March 23, 1952, to parents Scyril and Betty Lou Sizer. Jeanne was the youngest of four children in a warm and lively family. Jeanne moved many times throughout her childhood but spent most of her school years in Orr, MN. In her high school years, she moved to Proctor, MN in which she was a 1970 graduate. Jeanne kept close contact with her friends from Orr and attended high school reunions from both Orr and Proctor through the years.

Jeanne met her husband Norman “Norm” Ruth in 1973 and married on May 4th, 1974. They shared 36 years of marriage, before Norm passed away suddenly in 2010. Together they had one amazingly perfect and super humble child, Ryan. Jeanne and Norm enjoyed activities such as traveling together, especially to Las Vegas, camping, golfing, and bowling. Jeanne’s greatest pride were her grandsons, Alex and Eli, whom she loved beyond measure. They brought endless smiles and entertainment to her life. They would visit her often and the three of them enjoyed UMD hockey games as season ticket holders. Jeanne treasured every milestone, every moment, and every hug from her grandsons.

Jeanne enjoyed a long career with a variety of positions. She began her career at Travelers Insurance and worked with the building trades at the Duluth Builders Exchange, Standard Brick, and was the Executive Director of the Arrowhead Builders Association. After leaving the Arrowhead Builders Association she worked for Duluth Business University for a short time before eventually returning to the insurance business. Jeanne worked with State Farm Insurance at several agencies until her retirement in 2016.

Jeanne’s kindness was her trademark with so many of her friends who consider Jeanne their best friend. Jeanne was a caregiver with a welcoming smile, a genuine interest in others, and a gentle way of making everyone feel comfortable. Jeanne made friends wherever she went. She was a classy and elegant lady; she loved the symphony and theater plays. Her family and friends will remember her for the small moments she made special and the love she gave without hesitation.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband Norm Ruth, her parents Scyril and Betty Sizer, her brother Larry Sizer, father-in-law Leo Ruth, mother-in-law Margaret Ruth Heilman, and goddaughter and niece Christine Lovell. She is survived by her son Ryan and daughter-in-law Andrea, her grandsons Alex and Eli, her sister Zillah Sizer, her brother LeVere (Sun) Sizer, her sister-in-law Bonnie Sizer, sister-in-law Phyllis Gielarowski, sister-in-law Linda (Herb) Wenkel, very close friend John Hartwick, whom she had mentored from an early age, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be on Saturday, November 8th at Grace Lutheran Church. Visitation will start at 10:00am with service at 11:00am. A small gathering with appetizers and treats following the service where stories will be shared, and her memory honored with grace and gratitude.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.