Ruthie Rystad

Ruthie Rystad, age 89, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 5th, at The Meadows of Wadena in Wadena, MN. An open house celebrating Ruthie’s life will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26th, in the fellowship hall of Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston. A short prayer service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Hope Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Ruth Marie (Hanson) Rystad, affectionately known as Ruthie, was born on July 28, 1936. She was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston, Minnesota, and graduated from Fosston High School in 1955, where she sang in the chorus and played French horn in the band. After high school, Ruthie attended beauty school in Minneapolis in 1956.

In 1957, Ruthie married Bud Rystad. Together, they lived in Minneapolis and Bagley before settling on a farm near Fosston, where they raised their family and farmed. Ruthie especially loved caring for the yard and gardens, a passion she shared with Bud.

Ruthie worked for many years as a beautician in Fosston, earning a reputation for her styling artistry and forming countless friendships. Clients often remarked on her ability to listen, making every appointment feel special and personal. Many returned not only for her skill with hair, but for the caring conversation and encouragement she offered, turning her beauty chair into a place of trust and community. She was known for her warm smile and infectious laughter, brightening the days of everyone she met.

Ruthie had a keen eye for decorating and loved making her home feel warm and inviting. She was quick to rearrange the furniture or paint the walls whenever inspiration struck, always eager to refresh the space and add her personal touch. She had a passion for charcoal drawing and sketching & was able to work them into her decor. She felt happiest wherever friends and family kept her laughing and youthful, cherishing every gathering, whether it was a lively holiday celebration or a quiet afternoon spent sharing stories and laughter.

Ruthie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at The Meadows of Wadena, at the age of 89, surrounded by family.

She is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Craig) Helling and their family—Mia Helling (Chris Breitenfeldt), Easten and Rowan of Grand Forks, ND; Patrick (Amy) Helling and Gradie of Fergus Falls, MN; Kylee (Payton) Jordahl, Miles and Hayes of Perham, MN; Tyler (Emily) Helling, Mylah & baby Helling of Brainerd, MN; and Sue (Dean) Schnichels and their family - Cole and Ethan of Lakeville, MN. Ruthie is also survived by her sister, Audrey (Kenny) Merschmann of Bemidji, MN, and sisters-in-law Donna Thomas and Carol Jean (Leo) Taflin.

Ruthie is preceded in death by her husband Vernon (Bud) Rystad; parents, Eddie and Inga Hanson; her sister, Marjie Jeska; her parents-in-law, Tommy and Clara Rystad; her sister-in-law, Alene Bjerklie; and brothers-in-law, Rod Bjerklie and Don Thomas and special friend John Bjerken.

Ruthie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her kindness, her joy for life, and the love she shared with her family and friends.