Barbara "Barbie" Ruther

Barbara Alison Ruther, age 40, died peacefully on September 19, 2019 at Benedictine Health Center of Minneapolis after a courageous 26-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

“Barbie,” as she was affectionately known, was born on October 12, 1978 in Fridley, Minnesota to Allen and Teresa (Kremer) Ruther.  She graduated from Monticello High School in 1997 and attended the University of Minnesota, Morris where she received a computer science degree. Barbie inspired others to support the fight against MS.  She believed in a cure and attended MS camps and MS support groups.

Each day Barbie listened to Christian music and praised God.  She wrote this beautiful poem at 16 years of age:

“Jesus, Look at him near you have nothing to fear.
Always kind and fair he’ll always be there.
His insides are not hollow for he is the one to follow.
It’s life he makes, it’s life he takes.
Let him into your heart, never ever depart.
Loving us all even when we fall.
I know this is real, this is how I feel.”

Love, Barbie Ruther

Barbie will be remembered by her beautiful smile and zest for life. She enriched the lives of others with her generous spirit. Even though she loved growing her hair long, she would regularly donate her hair.  She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. She lived life to the fullest.

Most of all, Barbie enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. She loved animals and was dedicated to raising funds for animal rescue and adoption. She was an avid outdoors enthusiast before being robbed of her strength. Barbie never gave up hope.

Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her grandfather Norbert Ruther; her parents Allen and Teresa Ruther; sisters Crystal (Clay) Holm of Tennessee and Nancy (Brad) Fisher of Wisconsin; nephews Brayden and Orion Fisher; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding Barbie in death were her grandparents Erwin and Loretta Kremer; grandmother Bernice (Norbert) Ruther; uncle Kenneth Kremer; aunt Liane (Bruce) Lubitz; and niece Alanna (Nancy & Brad) Fisher.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with parish prayers at 7:00 on Friday, October 11 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham, MN. Visitation will resume from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 11:00 on Saturday, October 12 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Perham.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175  www.schoenebergerfh.com

Barbara's Memorial Folder