Ruth VanHale

Mundwiler Larson Funeral Home of Ortonville announces the death of Ruth VanHale, age 91, of Graceville, MN, formerly of Ortonville, MN. Ruth passed away on September 7, 2012 in Graceville, MN.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN with Rev. Dr. John Ragan officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Ruth Jennie VanHale, the daughter of Fred and Anna (Roselund) Carlson, was born on May 16, 1921, in Prior Township, Big Stone County. She was confirmed on June 4, 1937, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Graceville, MN. She attended District #31 School.

Ruth was united in marriage to Arnold Herberg on February 21, 1938, and they made their home near Beardsley, MN where Arnold farmed. They were blessed with four sons: Lloyd, John, Howard, and Maurice. Arnold and Ruth retired from the farming 1966 and they made their home in Clinton, MN, where Ruth was employed at the Good Samaritan Home in housekeeping. She also sold Avon for several years. They moved to Ortonville, MN, in 1970 and Arnold passed away in April of 1972.

Ruth married George VanHale on May 5, 1973 and they resided in Ortonville. George passed away November of 2001.

Ruth loved cooking, baking and she enjoyed entertaining her family and friends. She always had the coffee pot on and goodies to go with it. Ruth was proud of her Swedish heritage, serving many Swedish and Norwegian goodies, especially during the holidays. She loved music of any kind and played the organ, piano, accordion, and harmonica beautifully. Ruth enjoyed playing cards, working crossword puzzles and shaking dice. She was a gifted flower gardener and also quilted and crocheted. Ruth was a wonderful mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. She will be remembered for her lovely smile, her hospitality, and the love she gave her family.

Ruth is survived by her son, Maurice (Kathy) Herberg of Graceville, MN; daughters-in-law: Betty Herberg of Beardsley, MN, Marcia Herberg of Cold Spring, MN, and Ileta Herberg of Clinton, MN; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Arnold and George; sons: Lloyd, John, and Howard; granddaughter, Lisa; brothers: Roy Carlson, Lynn Carlson, and Martin Carlson; sisters: Gladys Evert, Mary Athey, and Elnora Athey.