Ruth (Compaan) Strutz

Ruth Strutz passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017 at her home in Jamestown, with family surrounding her.

Ruth Compaan Strutz was born on January 10th, 1924 in Hull, ND to Abel and Mabel (Brekke) Compaan. She graduated from Strasburg High School at the age of 16 and then attended Jamestown College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in biology in 1944. Ruth taught high school science for several years in California, Cavalier and Wishek. Ruth married Carl E. Strutz of Jamestown on April 10, 1950. She gave birth to her only child, Joan, on July 12, 1953. Ruth taught microbiology at Jamestown College. She continued on with her education, receiving her Nursing Degree from Jamestown College in 1974 and then receiving her Master's in Community Health Nursing from Texas Women's University.

In the early ‘80s, Ruth went to India and worked with Mother Theresa at the Home for the Dying in Calcutta. While in India, she also met Indira Gandhi. Her husband of 31 years died on November 5th, 1981. In 1984 she took a sabbatical to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. There she met Esther Sirra, with whom she partnered with to build a hospital and school of nursing in India. Ruth tirelessly worked to raise funds for the school/hospital and because of her efforts; one of the wings of the hospital was named after her. Ruth went on to get her Doctorate of Nursing from the University of Texas in Austin in 1991, graduating at the age of 67. She was the head of the nursing department at Jamestown College, retiring in 1994. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist church, teaching Sunday school, serving on boards, and in her circle. After retirement, Ruth spent 12 years visiting those from her church whom were home bound, in the nursing home or in the hospital, making at least 60 visits a month. Ruth loved spending time with her family, cooking many meals and babysitting often. She enjoyed reading, writing and fundraising for her school of nursing and was a life-long learner.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Joan Flitton of Jamestown; five grandchildren: Kjirsten (David) Boeve, Traverse City, MI, Christopher Flitton, Fargo, Heidi Flitton, Jamestown, Jennie (Alex) Tweten, Fargo, and Tim Flitton, Jamestown; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two step-mothers; her husband, Carl Strutz; her son-in-law, Herbert Flitton; her grandson, Peter Flitton; and her brothers – Vernon, Don, and Kenneth Compaan.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 20th, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Joel Winckler Officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Interment: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown.

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