RUEA MELDAHL

RUEA MELDAHL Ruea Delight (Taylor) Meldahl, 83, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday April 10, 2012 while under the care of Hospice. She was surrounded by family as well as her two beloved cats. Ruea was born December 10, 1928 on the family farm near Carrington, North Dakota to Winfield and Delight Taylor. She graduated from Carrington High School and continued her education at St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Fargo where she received her RN degree. Ruea married Julian Meldahl Jr. on May 21st 1950 in Carrington, North Dakota. They settled on the family farm in Finley, North Dakota where they farmed and raised their five children. Their farm received the 1982 Conservation Achievement Award. She had many hobbies and interests to include gardening, golf, bridge and jigsaw puzzles but her true passion was bowling. She was an accomplished bowler, taking 2nd place in the 2000 National Class A Scratch Senior Tournament. She spread her love for the game by coaching junior bowlers for many years. She continued bowling until a few months before her death. Additionally, she enjoyed travel, particularly overseas, often traveling with her sister and niece. She was also a dedicated member of Eastern Star, serving in several roles over the years. Ultimately, family was the most important part of Ruea’s life. She modeled independence and integrity for her children and provided encouragement and support to her children and grandchildren. She made it possible for family to be together on special occasions, most recently for Christmas 2011. She was known for her unique way to give her grandchildren money for Christmas. Ruea is survived by her four daughters, Jacqueline (Fred) Modrow, Kennewick, WA, their children, Heather (Chris) Morris and Nathan; JoDee (Brian) McMillen, Battleground, WA, their children, Emma Fonk, Justin (Heather), Clayton, and Brandon; Vicki (James) Warnecke, Highland, IL, their children, Melody (Steve) Ellis, Jim (Emily) and Tim (Jessica); Kimberly (Allen) Dienslake, Fargo, ND, their children, Kylee (Alan) Imholte, Cody and Travis. She is also survived by 12 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Betty Watson and 1 brother, Glen (Polly) Laughlin as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Pat Laughlin; husband, Julian; son, Bradley; 2 brothers, 1 sister and 1 stepsister. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors and staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center as well as the 7th Floor staff at Sanford Hospital. The caring members of the Hospice team made her last days peaceful and dignified. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice, Roger Maris Cancer Center or St. Jude’s. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the United Methodist Church in Finley, ND. Visitation will be Friday, April 13, 2012 from 5:00 till 7:00 in the Church and one before services in the Church. A Prayer Service will be Friday at 7:00 in the Church. Donations can be made to the following websites http://www.hrrv.org/ www.stjude.org/ http://www.sanfordhealth.org/about/foundation