Ruth Ann Nelson

Ruth Ann Nelson, 87, of Starbuck, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at Glenwood Village Care Center on Friday, December 5, 2025. She was born in Starbuck, MN, to parents Olaf and Ina Ophaug on December 3, 1938.

She was raised in Starbuck and met Virgil Tollakson, they were married and had three children together, Greg, Kim, and Todd. Ruth Ann did some waitressing in her younger years. She always thought it was good to be home when her kids got home from school.

Ruth Ann and Virg had gone through some really tough times, they lost both of their boys. They ended up in a divorce. A while later, Ruth Ann and Jerry Nelson got together. They decided to move out to California. They lived there for a few years. They got married while they were there. Then they decided to move back home to Starbuck.

They bought a home and lived here ever since. Ruth Ann worked up at the Elementary School in the cafeteria and in the office for a while. She really enjoyed working there. Ruth and Jerry liked to go shopping, fishing, and garage sale-ing. Ruth Ann also loved to go play bingo. She loved her grandkids and great grandkids. She got the name “Grandma Cookie” because she would send them home with ice cream pails full of sugar cookies.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her two sons, Greg and Todd: her parents, Olaf and Ina.

Until we meet again, enjoy being with your boys.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughter, Kim (Charlies); grandchildren, Jason (Kelsey), Lindsey (Ryan); great-grandchildren: Hailey, Chase, Jayden, Hunter, and Kaydence; Sisters, Noreen and Carolyn; Brother, David (Judy), and their families.

A private service will be held for Ruth Ann, please feel free to leave messages of condolence for the family below.