Russ Bey's mother-in-law

Ruth Alberg, 95

Ruth Magdaline Brenden Alberg, 95, Alexandria, passed away on March 28, 2011. She will be remembered as a loving wife of 42 years to Elmer Alberg, who predeceased her in 1978, and caring mother to her four daughters, Pauline (Charles) Maahs of Overland Park, KS, Karen Alberg, Roseville, Susan (Randall) Wall, Naples, FL, and Jean (Russell) Bey, Arden Hills; six grandchildren, David and Sara (Kaemmer) Maahs, Tiffany (Esquino) and Hunter Johnson, Jefferson and Chandler Bey; as well as 13 great-grandchildren.

Born January 28, 1916 in Starbuck, Ruth was the sixth of 10 children of Anna and John Brenden. She graduated from high school in Starbuck and two years later married Elmer on June 28, 1936. In 1949 they moved to Alexandria, which became their lifelong home and where Ruth raised her family, supported her husband in his concrete business and was involved in First Lutheran Church and community volunteerism.

Ruth was an avid golfer and loved reading, knitting and quilt-piecing. She enjoyed her bridge groups and the friendships that grew from them. She had a lively and quick wit that was evident until the end of her life.

Ruth is survived by two sisters, Helen Good and Lorraine Gordhamer, both of Minneapolis, and Tineke and Marco Von de Graaf, of The Hague, Holland, the exchange student who lived with the Albergs for a year and stayed close throughout Ruth’s lifetime.

The family wishes to thank special friends, Ophelia and Al Moen and Sylvia and Ed Christopherson, for their friendship and kindness as well as the staff of Nelson Gables and Knute Nelson for their excellent care.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. John Peshek officiating. Burial was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church or Knute Nelson Foundation in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria;www.andersonfuneral.net.