Ruth Louise Jourdan

About Ruth

Ruth Louise (Allen) Jourdan, 97, passed away on July 4, 2023 at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Ruth was born September 14, 1925, in Northome to Leonard and Nellie (Reed) Allen. She graduated from Northome High School in 1943.

On September 4, 1948, she married Otto L. Jourdan. Otto’s education and career brought Ruth and Otto to Minneapolis, MN, Decorah, IA (where their first daughter was born), Torrance, CA (where one son and three more daughters joined the family) and St. Paul, MN (where the family grew by another daughter). In 1963, the family returned to Northome. After Otto passed away, Ruth moved to North St. Paul with one of her daughters and recently moved to Bemidji.

Ruth was a devoted wife and mother, helping on the farm and raising 6 children. She also worked for many years outside the home as a post office clerk and nurse’s aide, among other jobs. She centered her life around her family and made sure that no visitors left her house hungry. Ruth was a member of Hope Lutheran Church.

Ruth is survived by her children Jef (Lisa) Jourdan of Miles City, MT, Sundra Bender of Bemidji, Freya (Jack) White of Northome, Erika (Joe) White of Northome, and Maia (Scott) Jourdan Bergloff of Northome; her grandchildren Kent, Noah, Gust, Erin, Cody, Jonah, Rikki, and Sonna; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Otto; her daughter Tamara; her sister Shirley Simmerman; her great-grandson Alexander; and one great-great grandson Alexander.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Ruth

July 8, 2023

Hope Lutheran Church 12234 3rd St, Northome, MN 56661, USA

Pastor John Anderson will be officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Ardenhurst Cemetery in Bergville, MN immediately following. A gathering will be held at the Northome Senior Center after the service.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home