Ruth Borgen

Ruth Borgen (Myrtle Ruth Myers) was born July 13th, 1932 in Minot, North Dakota to Estella and Ray Myers, along with her twin brother Raymond. One of 14, Ruth grew up on the North Dakota farmlands and cared for siblings after her mother's passing when she was twelve.

After meeting a strapping young railroad worker, Ruth married George Borgen in 1953. The couple had four children; Doug (Christine), Dan, Arlene, and Karla (Mark). The family moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1966 for George's work.

Hard-working, Ruth took pride in giving her best to whatever she set her hands to. From caring for children, to challenging herself to see how many pints of ice cream she could pack per hour at Bridgeman's Creamery, to decorating beautiful cakes at Randall Foods, Mega Foods, and Sam's Club, Ruth gave her best in all facets of life.

Ruth was loyal and loving and used her gifts to bring people together, especially with her cooking. She regularly prepared meals for large family gatherings and brought meals to friends in need. She often gave loaves of her semi-world famous, "Grandma Ruthie Oatmeal Bread," along with many signature salads, including her much sought-after "mystery salad."

Industrious and social, Ruth was a champion multi-tasker. On top of her routine duties, she held a part-time job keeping the phone lines hot, and was known for having a phone propped against her shoulder while simultaneously drinking coffee and crocheting a scrubby or hand-towel. Rumor has it that she carried on two separate phone conversations at one time, as documented in a photo during the advent of cell phones.

Ever the prayer warrior, Ruth dedicated time to lifting her loved ones to the Lord. She and her daughters started an in-home prayer group in 2004 which still exists today. Ruth was a woman of enduring faith. While facing many personal challenges, including a battle against ovarian cancer and her daughter, Arlene's, brain tumors and early passing at age 58, Ruth trusted the Lord through all seasons of life. She ascribed to the prayer of Psalm 91, and prayed these verses so fervently, the page slipped from the binding of her Bible and was written on her heart. Even after a steady mental and physical decline, Ruth recited the psalm with zeal days before she passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones.

Beloved Ruth was known for her kindness, gentleness, generosity, her strong faith and compassion. She gave of herself out of an assurance in God's provision, and He was faithful to provide through all of her days. She lived a beautiful, selfless life, and blessed many through her tireless good works and ceaseless prayer, leaving a lasting legacy of service and abiding faith.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in his triumphal procession, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved." 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, George, her daughter, Arlene, her brothers Benton (Darlene) Myers, William (Vivian) Myers, Raymond (Vickie) Myers, Rolland (Donna Rae) Myers, Alvin (Doris) Myers, Lehman Myers, and her sisters, Mable (Gaillord) Albertson, and Jeanette (Andrew) Gunderson. She is survived by her brothers, Donald (Maxine) Myers, Marlin/Slim (June) Myers, Lowell (Betty) Myers, her sister, Ruby (Loren) Podruchny, her sons, Doug Borgen and Dan Borgen, and her daughter, Karla Hillestad, as well as her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Stokes, Prock, & Mundt Funeral Chapel on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 10 am with a service to follow at 11. Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family.