Ruth Ann Anderson

Ruth Ann (Jordahl) Anderson died on August 13, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born, two months premature, at Miller Hospital in St. Paul, MN on November 18, 1942. She often said her survival had been a gift from God that led her into a life of faith and service. She grew up in West St. Paul, MN and graduated from Sibley High School in 1960. She graduated cum laude from St. Olaf College in 1964, with a B.A. in sociology and psychology and a minor in religion. In 1966, Ruth Ann graduated from Columbia University with an M.S. in Social Work.

She was married in 1967 to Maurice L. Anderson, whom she met at St. Olaf, and became his faithful partner and loving spouse for the next 58 years, through sickness and in health. In 1972, Ruth Ann and Maurice welcomed a son, Scott, born in Bellefonte, PA. In 1975, they had another son, Mark, born in Urbana, IL. Ruth Ann embarked on a long career in social work as a caseworker, school counselor, and child and adult protective services director. She spent many years working for Cass County Social Services in Fargo, ND, and helped reform adult protection regulations for the state of North Dakota.

Ruth Ann was a strong and gentle person who demonstrated empathy, integrity and courage as an advocate for those in poverty, living with mental illness or addiction, underserved and marginalized communities, and all whose voices are not heard. A lifelong Lutheran, she lived her faith with conviction, led by her quiet example, and found inspiration for her family and life's work in the saying "Thy Will Be Done". She played piano and loved children and animals (and they loved her). She spent time outdoors and especially loved visiting Minnesota lakes and the Oregon coast. She lived for the last 32 years of her life in Salem, OR.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin O. Jordahl and Helen M. (Bugge) Jordahl, and by her sister Phyllis (Jordahl) Dexter. She is survived by her husband Maurice; her sister, Leone (Jordahl) Larson; her two sons, Scott M. and Mark A. Anderson (m. Ketzia Schoneberg); her two grandsons, Erik M. and Luke J. Anderson; and by three nieces and a nephew.