Ruth J. Ophus

Ruth Juliet Ophus, 103, of Coon Valley, passed away on October 10, 2017 at Vernon Manor, Viroqua. She was born to Albert and Christine (Strangstalien) Swenson on September 16, 1914 in Town of Coon, Vernon County. She graduated from Westby High School and Vernon County Normal School. From 1935-1941, she taught at Brown School, a one room country school in Jefferson Township. On October 26, 1940, she married John Ophus in Coon Valley.

She was a lifelong member of Coon Valley Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, a member of WELCA and North Ridge Circle, and sang in the church choir.

After farming on North Ridge for 29 years, Ruth and John retired to Coon Valley in 1975. After John passed away in 1993, Ruth continued to reside in Coon Valley until her health made it necessary to move to Vernon Manor in Viroqua in August, 2013.

Survivors include her daughter, Joanne (Dean) Flugstad of Lake City, MN, her son, the Rev. David (Jane) Ophus of Boise, ID ; grandchildren: Kristen (Chad Loberger) Flugstad of Flagstaff, AZ; Heidi Flugstad of Denver, CO; Matthew (Leslie) Flugstad of Fergus Falls, MN; John (Sheri) Ophus of Cedar Falls, IA; Rebecca Ophus of Boise, ID; 6 great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Jack, Julianna, Ry, Lucia Ruth (Flugstad) and Oliver Ophus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, sisters, Jeanette (Linrud) Role and Vivian Fleis and brother, Arvid Swenson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Saturday October 14, 2017 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10 am until service time. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com.

Blessed be the memories of this kind, generous and loving person, Ruth.