Ruby L. Westad

Ruby L. Westad, age 100, of Parkers Prairie, died peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Country Living near Henning.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Pastor Rachel Stout officiating. Music is provided by organist, Julie Lindgren and pianist, Breanna Pexsa. Ruby’s service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on her obituary page on the funeral home’s website. Interment is at the Elmo Lutheran Cemetery, Parkers Prairie.

Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 28, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ruby Lydia was born on March 18, 1922, to Oscar and Huldah (Ek) Olson in Eastern Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. She was baptized in 1922 by Pastor J. Edor Larson and confirmed on July 18, 1937, both at Esther Lutheran Church in Eastern Township. Ruby attended rural school at District #259 through the eighth grade and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1940. She attended Normal Training School in Staples for one year. She taught at District #273 (Lawrence’s home school) and District #68 before marriage. Ruby was united in marriage to Lawrence Westad on June 21, 1944, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie where they also became members. She continued teaching at Districts #55 (Joy School) and #273 for a short time. Ruby was secretary at First Evangelical Lutheran Church for 13 years. She also did substitute teaching for several years. She was active in church, Sunday School, Northern Stars 4-H, and Homemaker’s Club. Ruby enjoyed crafts, arranging flowers, gardening, and entertaining. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence in 1999; infant daughter, Myrna; sister, Pearl Larson; and brother, Oliver Olson.

Ruby is survived by her five children, Lynn (Julie) Westad of Osakis, Alan Westad of Parkers Prairie, Marie (Dean) Trosdahl of Vining, Steven (Pat) Westad of White Bear Lake, and Lee (Terri Church) Westad of Parkers Prairie; 14 grandchildren, Matthew (Becky) Westad, Stacia (Matt) Schwope, Trevor (Tia) Westad, Jesse (Carly) Westad, Kelley (Ryan) Pexsa, Holly (Patrick) Westad, Julie Trosdahl, Ryan (Katie) Trosdahl, Scott (Heather) Trosdahl, Alex (Allison) Westad, Rhiannon (Kai) Emrys, Sarah (Kent Lanz) Westad, Josh (Tracy) Bramlett, and Alyssa (Dan Jelinek) Westad; 21 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Country Living for the excellent care given to Ruby during her time there.

Pallbearers are Jesse Westad, Ryan Trosdahl, Matthew Westad, Scott Trosdahl, Trevor Westad, and Ryan Pexsa. Honorary pallbearers are Ruby's granddaughters.