Ruth Ann Orton

Ruth Ann (Nelson) Orton, 80, of Brainerd, MN, formerly of Delavan, IL, has sadly passed away on October 15, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society Woodland, Brainerd, MN. She was born In Pekin, IL on June 29, 1942, to Donald and Ruth (McQueen) Nelson.

Ruth was raised in Green Valley, IL, where she later graduated from Green Valley High School. She married William Verl Orton 1960-1979, in which time they had moved to Nisswa, MN. She moved to Brainerd to raise her family and go to Brainerd Vocational College to get her Secretarial Shorthand diploma in 1981. She worked in Nisswa, Garrison and in Brainerd.

Ruth loved crocheting, shopping, eating out, garage sales and visiting parks to hand out her crocheted goodies to the park goers. She also loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her dear friend Susan Buranen. She had a quick wit about her and was friendly, making everyone smile and laugh when they were around her.

Ruth is survived by her sister Donna Jean, Bloomington, IL; and her children: Denise (Lance) Zwart, Breezy Point, Richard (Lynda), Forest Lake, Ruthie Malz (Matt Worcester), Pine River, Timothy (Kelly), Royalton, and 12 grandchildren and one soon to be great grandchild,

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents: Donald and Ruth Nelson, two sisters: Karen Lockhart, Sharon Follis, and her daughter, Crystal (Dan) Janowik.

A visitation will be conducted at Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd on October 26, 2022, from 4:00 PM thru 7:00 PM. A celebration of life will be at 7PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.