Ruby Charlotte Greenberg

1925 - 2026

Ruby Greenberg, age 100 of Elk River, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born in Wadena on March 22, 1925, to Edward and Julia (Anderson) Malm.

She was preceded in death by Donald, her husband of 69 years; her parents; her stepmother Helen (Backlund); her brothers and spouses Eldon (Grace) Malm, Irving (Mae) Malm, Earl (Rosemary) Malm and David (Jeannine) Malm; and by her sister and spouse Rosabel (Paul) Malchuk.

She is survived by her children Thomas (Betty), Leonard (Joyce), Nancy, Susan (Douglas) Frey, and Charlotte (Thomas) Sterneman; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Her parents were originally from Burns Township (later to become the City of Nowthen) and had moved to Wadena for work reasons before she was born. When she was 5 they moved to south Minneapolis as the Great Depression settled in. When she was 8 her family moved back to Nowthen where she lived most of her life until retirement. The move to Nowthen marked the beginning of her lifelong involvement and membership at Nowthen Alliance Church, the church her parents helped start before they were married. She graduated from St. Francis High School in 1943 and two months later her mother died of cancer at age 49. She would go on to marry her childhood sweetheart Donald in September 1946 following his service in the US Navy as a pilot during World War II. They worked together in the family automobile business until they retired.

Conversations about her Swedish ancestry were always enjoyable. She was a self-taught pianist and a wonderful vocalist. Those talents were used in a lifetime of volunteer service at Nowthen Alliance Church including Bible study leader and over 50 years as organist. Her life was centered around her love for Jesus, her family, and her church. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, hope, love and hospitality, and will be greatly missed.

Memorials can be made to Nowthen Alliance Church/The Great Commission Fund.

Celebration of Life and Hope will be held on Monday, March 9th, 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior at the Nowthen Alliance Church. A visitation with the family will be held Sunday, March 8th from 4-7 pm at the same location, 19653 Nowthen Blvd, Nowthen MN.