Ruby E. Viland

RUBY EDLYN VILAND was born to Theodore and Helmina (Peterson) Thompson on April 8, 1919 in Hills, Minnesota. While growing up, Ruby lived in Valley Springs, South Dakota, Bruce, South Dakota, and later Luverne, Minnesota. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1937. She worked at the Luverne Community Hospital from 1935 to 1937 and then went to work at J.C. Penny from 1937 to 1941. On November 30, 1941 Ruby was united in marriage to Lawrence Viland at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church parsonage in Luverne. Following their marriage the couple lived in Pipestone, Minnesota. In 1943 they returned to Luverne and Ruby went to work at Forrest Dairy. In 1955 she began working for Creeger’s, which later became Cook’s Clothing, and continued full-time until 1981. Ruby thoroughly enjoyed helping people pick out outfits. She remained at Cook’s part-time until her retirement in 1994 at 75 years of age. During her retirement years the couple traveled to Hawaii, took a Caribbean cruise, and rode on a bus tour through California and the southwestern states. The couple also took many trips to Colorado to visit their son, Rodney and his wife. In October 2009, Ruby and Larry became residents at the Rock Rapids Health Centre in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Larry preceded Ruby in death on July 26, 2014. On Saturday, January 7, 2017 while at the Rock Rapids Hospital in Rock Rapids, Ruby went to be with her Lord at the age of 97 years, 8 months and 29 days.

Ruby was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, where she belonged to Circle. She enjoyed baking and cooking and made the best desserts and homemade bread and rolls. She especially enjoyed entertaining by throwing dinner parties and family get-togethers. The lefse she made was always a favorite during the holiday season. Ruby also enjoyed collecting Lennox birds, gardening and playing bridge. Most of all, she loved listening to music and dancing with her favorite partner, Larry. Ruby and Larry went dancing nearly every week at various places in the tri-state area and would travel near and far just to dance to their favorite bands.

Ruby is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jeanne and her husband Steve Ellsworth of Rock Rapids; four grandchildren, Peggy (John) Metzger, Jason (Amy) Ellsworth, Vonda Viland (Vic) Machinski and Jon Viland; six great-grandchildren, Andrew Metzger, Ryan Metzger, Carter Ellsworth, Nathan Viland, David Machinski and Abbey Machinski; a sister, Harriet Bryan of Billings, Montana; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husand of 72 years, Larry; two sons, James and Rodney Viland; parents, Theodore and Helmina; six siblings, Clarence Thompson, Virgil Thompson, Helen Forrest, Gladyce Helgerson, Mildred Schlumbohm and Gena Thompson; and two infant siblings, Clifford and Evelyn Thompson