Minneapolis
Central High School

Ruth Alstrup

From 1959 Centralian

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." Triettes, Junior Achievement.

Ruth L. Parker

Ruth L. Parker, 68, of Chippewa Falls, formerly of Eagan, MN, died early Monday, December 21, 2009 under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice after a long battle with coronary artery disease. Her weak heart simply could not keep up with all she wanted to do.

She was born April 15, 1941 in Minneapolis to Evelyn (Bergquist) and Harold Alstrup. She grew up in S. Mpls. and graduated from Central High School in 1959.

Ruth literally, married the "boy next door," M. Douglas "Doug" Parker on September 23, 1961 in Mpls. For 26 years, she worked as a florist for Minnepolis Floral, located in the Lund's Grocery Store in Edina, MN. She then went to work with Doug part-time at Seasonal Concepts in Bloomington, until moving to Chippewa Falls in 2006.

Attending church was always a part of Ruth's life; she was a past member of Minnehaha UCC, Mpls. where she served as a Stephen's Minister; River Hills UMC in Burnsville, MN; and Peace Reformed Church in Eagan, MN. She also sang in the choir, which Doug directed at each church. While in Chippewa Falls, Ruth had been attending church at Faith Lutheran Church and Zion UMC, where her husband currently directs.

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 48 years, Doug of Chippewa Falls; four children, Steven (Vicki Jones) Parker of Wyoming, MN, Stephanie (Tim) Price of Coon Rapids, MN, Julie (Roland) Peak of Carver, MN, Stacy (Kirt) Pickerign of Chippewa Falls; siblings, Anita Keltner of Mpls., John (Karen) Alstrup of AZ, Ronald Alstrup of Mpls.; grandchildren, Tony and Courtney Parker, Jenna, Haylie and Kelsey Price, Benjamin Parker, Corinne Johnson and Allison Peak, Parker and Mac Pickerign.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; her in-laws; and two brothers-in-law, John Parker and Richard Keltner.

Ruth will be remembered for her strength, her unwaivering faith in God and her love for her family, especially her grandkids. She always did for others before herself. Ruth was always on the go: her hobbies were gardening, decorating, watching scary movies, shopping and reading.

A funeral service celebrating a life well lived will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 27 at Faith Lutheran Church, 733 Woodward Ave., Chippewa Falls with the Rev. William Plautz officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of service Sunday at the church.

Her love for flowers and beauty were evident ~ at the family's request, no memorials are necessary, but if you so choose, feel free to make a donation to a charity you hold close to your heart or plant a beautiful flower in Ruth's memory.

Thank you to all for your thoughts, prayers and kind gestures. Although we miss her dearly, we can rejoice in knowing Ruth is now at peace.

Visit www.pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.

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