Ruth Helen (Ness) Fosness, the daughter of John and Ida (Saude) Ness was born in the rural Barton, North Dakota home of her parents on December 15, 1922.  She died at the age of 92 years on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Trinity Medical Center in Minot, North Dakota.

Ruth was raised in the home of her parents, baptized and confirmed at Barton Lutheran Church and received her education in a country school near her home.  Following her schooling, she remained on the family farm until her marriage.  On December 13, 1942, she was united in marriage to Leonard Fosness at the Barton Lutheran Church.  Following their marriage, the couple lived and farmed on the Art Deeter farm for their first year.  Leonard and Ruth then purchased their own farm 10 miles SE of Willow City where they farmed and raised their family.  In 1997, the couple retired into Willow City.  Leonard died February 29, 2000.  Ruth remained in her home following Leonard’s death until 2011 when she moved to the Wellington Assisted Living in Minot.

Ruth was a former member of Barton Lutheran Church and current member of First Lutheran Church in Willow City and its Ladies Circles.  She also enjoyed membership in the Good Neighbors Club and the Barton Wildlife Auxiliary.  She delighted in crocheting, playing cards and bingo, word find puzzles and travel.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry of Minot and Dean (Audrey) of Willow City; two daughters, LouAnn Getzlaff of Minot and Julie Krout of Pink Hill, North Carolina; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one sister, Irene Lehmann of Rugby; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband; one grandson at birth; a son-in-law, Gary Getzlaff; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday in the First Lutheran Church, Willow City with burial in the Marker Lutheran Cemetery, rural Barton.  Pastor Linda Wimmer and Mr. Wally Fretland, officiates.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the time of services at the Church