Ruth Kelsch

Ruth Kelsch, 85, Nortonville, ND, died Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at St. Alexius Hospital, Bismarck, ND.

Ruth Miller was born February 4, 1924 in Karlsruhe, ND, the daughter of Ralph and Helen (Dye) Miller. She was raised and attended school in Casselton, ND, graduating from Lincoln High School in Casselton. She moved to Fargo, ND and worked at Graves' Coffee Shop. On December 27, 1943, she married Leo Kelsch at Napoleon, ND. When Leo was discharged from the United States Navy in 1945, they made their home on a farm northwest of Nortonville, ND. In 1949, they moved into the town of Nortonville where they owned and operated the bowling alley from 1960 to 1978. Ruth also did upholstery, alterations, cake decorating, leather work, knitting and crocheting.

Survivors include 7 children: Pam Mattern, Tacoma, WA; Don Kelsch, Viet Nam; Mary Anne (Gary) Sperle, Aberdeen, SD; Terry Kelsch, San Diego, CA; Peg (Rod) Triepke, Nortonville, ND; Donna Bernhardt, Bismarck, ND; Rachael Skjonskby, Bismarck, ND; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Inez Woehl, Casselton, ND and Alyce Pollack, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral - 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2009 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley, ND

Prayer Service - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley, ND

Visitation - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Edgeley, ND and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Interment - Mount Calvary Cemetery, Edgeley, ND