Ruth Ann Kleist, age 75, passed away Saturday morning, June 25, at her home on the farm in Rushford.
Ruth was born on February, 21 1947, in La Crosse, Wis., the daughter of Robert and Rose (Burfield) Lee. She attended country schools in both Mondovi and Money Creek before graduating from Houston High School. On October 24, 1970 she was united in marriage to Henry Kleist in Winona and their union was blessed with two boys, James and Patrick.
Ruth was a devoted wife, mom and eventual grandma; she tended to the farm with Henry until 1995. After they quit milking she and Henry worked at TRW as well as volunteering together at the Salvation Army in Winona.
Ruth is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Henry Kleist; sons James (Lisa) Kleist of Houston, and Patrick (Michelle) Kleist of Holmen, Wis.; grandchildren Cameron (Cara) Kleist of Rushford, Jordan Kleist of Houston, and Hannan and Myriam Zary; brother Rollie Lee of Houston, sister-in-law Mary Kleist of Rushford, brothers-in-law Art Kleist of Rushford, Ken Lanik of Winona and John (Marilyn) Kleist of Rushford; nieces Angela (Tom) Montgomery of Hastings, Emily Lanik Parr of Duluth, Heather (Kevin) Larson of Winona, and Heidi (Warren) Perry of Winona; great-nieces and nephews Krissy (Brian) Wilson, Autumn, Claire and Amelia Montgomery, Elijah and Talulah Lanik Parr, and Ora Yonts; as well as other extended family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Rose Lee, sisters-in-laws Joanne Lanik and Eline Kleist, niece Vicki Kleist and nephew Danny Kleist.
A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 at the Hoff Funeral Home of Rushford.
The family will also be having a gathering at Rollie’s home in Money Creek on August 6, 2022, from 1-4 p.m.