Ruth Marie Alstad

With heavy hearts we share that Ruth Marie Alstad, 83, of Whitestown, IN., passed away on August 28, 2025. Born in Blackduck, MN on September 8, 1941 to Harriet and Robert Flanders Sr., Ruth was a 1959 graduate of Fargo Central High School. She married the love of her life on May 27, 1961. Ruth was a graduate of Interstate Business College and worked in Accounts Payable for ITT Educational Services until her retirement. After retirement, she and Armond bought an RV and traveled to all 50 states with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel loved. Known for her quick wit and joyful laugh, she brought lightheartedness and warmth to every gathering. She found delight in the simple things in life: reading, cooking for her loved ones, bird watching and the comfort of sitting with her beloved cat, Biscuit. She often joked that she didn't get much done in a day because she was too busy petting him. She taught herself to sew and bake. She sewed a lot of our childhood clothes and baked amazing birthday cakes for every party. She was famous for sending late night group messages with information to keep us safe and informed or a funny video that always made us smile. Above all, family was at the heart of her world, and she was the heart of ours. Her memory will live on in the laughter she inspired, the love she gave so freely, and the countless ways she made the world brighter. She will be remembered with love by her children Eric Alstad, Amy Woods, and Beth (Thomas) Helm, grandchildren Amanda (Sam) Hermus, Ashley Woods, Caitlyn and Ava Helm, and Evan and Emerson Alstad, brother Robert Flanders Jr., sister-in-law Lynnette (Hugh) Bock; five great grandchildren, three nephews and one niece. She is preceded in death by her parents Harriet and Robert Flanders Sr. and husband Armond Alstad of 55 years. We will have a celebration of life at a later date. In honor of her memory, donations can be made to www.mistyeyes.org