Ruth Ann Anderson, age 87, of Dresser, Wisconsin, passed away on Feb. 15, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by family who loved her very much.
Ruth was born on Aug. 14, 1938, in Osceola, Wisconsin, to Fred and Celia Steffen. The youngest of eight children, she cherished her childhood and often shared memories of ice skating on the Mill Pond, jumping from the bridge into the St. Croix River, roller skating, fishing in the creek, raising turtles, baton twirling, taking the train to the St. Paul Depot, being crowned homecoming queen, and vivid memories of her siblings. She graduated from Osceola High School in 1956 and moved to St. Paul where she worked at American Crane. Her early years shaped her deep love for family, community, and simple joys.
Ruth and her former husband, Arland Anderson, had five children and made their home on the family farm in rural Dresser until she moved into the town of Dresser in 1979. She was a devoted and beloved mother to Thomas (Angela) Anderson, Belinda (Charles) Rogers, Timothy Anderson (1963) and Chaney Anderson (1969) who both preceded her in death, and Marc (Denise) Anderson. Her children were the center of her world, and she was a steady, loving presence in their lives.
She was a proud and loving grandmother to Brian, Heidi, and Michelle (Derek) Anderson; Brooke (Nick), Kate, and Charlie Rogers; and Jared, Rachel (Steven), Mitchell, and Jacob Anderson; and a treasured great-grandmother to Tucker, Taylor, Boone, Breck, and Ayla. Selfless and thoughtful, Ruth never missed a birthday and was generous in her gift-giving, remembering the smallest details that made everyone feel loved.
After moving off the farm, Ruth dedicated 31 years to serving as a cook in Nutrition Services at St. Croix Falls Hospital, retiring at the age of 80, which she often shared was too early. She was known for her strong work ethic and the care she put into everything she did. Her love was often expressed through food—she never arrived anywhere empty-handed, and everyone could always depend on her for warm hotdish and sweet treats when they stopped in to visit.
Ruth loved Jesus with all her heart and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Osceola. Her faith was the foundation of her life and carried her through many hardships with strength and perseverance. A good and faithful servant, she lived her beliefs daily—loving generously, welcoming warmly, and placing her trust in the Lord through every season of life.
She embraced life fully and joyfully. Ruth loved having company and coffee clutching with friends and family at the dining room table, garage saling, reading the newspaper, listening to the police scanner, playing Bingo and visiting the casino. She delighted in cheering on her loved ones in all their activities and archived newspaper articles, awards and photos to celebrate and reminisce over their accomplishments. She also enjoyed collecting antiques and treasured keepsakes, always intrigued in the history and stories they held.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Celia Steffen; her son, Timothy; her daughter, Chaney; and her siblings, George, June, Laura “Tootie,” Doris, Jack, Phillip, and Art; and many other relatives and friends.
Ruth leaves behind a legacy of faith, selfless love, generosity, and unwavering presence. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Osceola, Wisconsin. Arrangements through Grandstrand Funeral Home of Osceola. Condolences may be expressed online at grandstrandfh.com.
