Ruth Ann Kennedy
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Ruth Ann (Sanden) Kennedy, 75, entered eternal rest on February 25, 2021 in Edinburg, TX after a brief battle with cancer. Ruth was born on February 18, 1946, in Mahnomen, MN to Roy and Anna (Hillesland) Sanden. She graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1964. In 1966, Ruth met the love of her life, John L. "Jack" Kennedy, and married on June 24, 1967. Together, they had 3 children that she adored with all of her heart. Ruth and Jack proudly owned a small farm equipment dealership in Lena, WI, for a brief time where they formed many life-long friendships. Ruth also worked for the US Postal Service in Townsend, WI, before retiring in 2010 and moved to Edinburg, TX. Ruth loved traveling the US with her husband, hosting and spending time with beloved friends, and was active in the Valhalla Park community. Her warmth and genuine love and concern for others could be felt as she walked into a room, and everyone who knew her couldn't help but love her back instantly.
Ruth was a gifted quilter and was a proud member of the Pine Needle Quilters Guild of WI. She often made quilts for chemotherapy patients, children struggling through terminal illness, Veterans and of course, each of her loved ones. She gifted much of her time and talents to others and was an incredibly selfless person. Ruth received multiple awards for her beautiful quilt work.
Ruth is survived by her three children Brenda (Mike) Mercier, De Pere WI; Bradley (June) Kennedy, Oconto Falls WI; Bridget Kennedy, Gladstone MI; six grandchildren Tyler, Jennifer (Austin), Jared, Ryan, Lucy, and Jack; siblings Clarice DeBoer and Dale (Sandee) Sanden and many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John "Jack" Kennedy in October 2020, as well as her parents and brothers Boyd Sanden and Leroy Sanden and sisters Verna Eide and Randi Wendt.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be shared with her husband's celebration of life per her wishes.
Ruth's family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Caregivers and Staff at Aurora House Foundation in Weslaco, TX and DHR Hospice Services for all they do.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Aurora House Foundation in memory of Ruth Kennedy. https://aurorahouse.org/