Ruth E. Mattson

Ruth Elva Mattson (Mittag) was born on July 29, 1926, the daughter of Paul & Ida Mittag on a farm near Leonard, Minnesota. She was baptized at Pinewood Lutheran Parsonage in Pinewood, MN and confirmed on November 1, 1942 at East Zion Church in Leonard, MN by Rev. Edward Livingston.

Ruth went to country school through the 8th grade and joined 4-H Club which she really enjoyed. She always had plenty of work to do on the farm from milking cows to doing housework. On November 4, 1946 Ruth moved to Alexandria where her Aunt Elva lived along with some family friends. Family friends Ernie & Lila Unruh and Don & Harriet LeRoy owned Kenwood Grocery & Lunch Counter and Ernie and Don’s Garage. Ruth worked in the store and this is where she met Edwin who worked as a mechanic in the garage. Ruth and Edwin were united in marriage on July 5, 1947. After their marriage the couple joined Zion Lutheran Church. To this union four children were born: Leon, Gary, Greg and Laurie. On April 17, 1986, Eddie died suddenly playing golf at Crestwood Golf Club.

After his death, Ruth loved taking care of her grandchildren for several years which was a real blessing. She also enjoyed being a part of the funeral committee, working at Bethany beauty shop, going to Women’s Fellowship and Bible classes. She also had lots of cleaning jobs through the years where she worked for a number of wonderful people.

Ruth died on Monday, November 10, 2025. She is survived by her four children: Leon (June) Mattson, Greg Mattson, Gary Mattson and Laurie Gault; 8 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sarah, Peter, Kristi, Tracy, Deborah, Mary and Daria; 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; 2 brothers: Ralph & Earl; 2 sisters: Edna & Shirley; son-in-law: Grant.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Fahlun Cemetery in Nelson.