Ruth Gust, age 72 of Kramer, ND passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at a Fargo hospital.  Her funeral will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the United Parish in Bottineau.  Visitation will be Friday, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Kramer.

Ruth Marie Sletten was born in Bottineau, ND on March 21, 1949, to Olaf and Ovidia Sletten. On August 19, 1966, she married Ronald Gust of Kramer, ND. Ronald and Ruth briefly lived in Mohall, ND then moved to Towner. In 1971, they moved to their farmstead just north of Kramer.

Ruth had a zest for life and an unmeasurable passion for family. Although her official title was "home maker", Ruth enjoyed many life paths as she raised her three children Ronald Jr, Renee and Robyn, such as house painter, grocery store owner and Sirius Kennels owner and operator, just to name a few. Ruth spent many hours playing games, enjoying crafts and raising animals with her small children. She often sewed outfits of love for all of them. There was always a beautiful new outfit for the first day of school or matching pajamas at Christmas time.

She was always the caretaker. Most of the time taking care of others way before thinking of herself. Her generosity of time and attention was very hard to beat. Family and friends could always count on Ruth for a visit, to listen and, of course, candid advice. She was always just a phone call away, most any time of the day, as long as it was after 11am.

Ruth loved the farm life. From fur to feathers, her "Critters" of all shapes and sizes made their home on the farm. She was proud to show family and friends her "zoo" and provided little ones, visiting a farm for the first-time, life experiences such as holding their first kitten or puppy, feeding the horses treats or even gathering eggs.

Over the years, Ruth put great effort into creating a beautifully landscaped country yard and tree farm for others to enjoy as they drove down Highway 14. During the summer, Ruth could be found on her orange Kubota mower, enjoying one of her favorite past-times, grooming the many acres of grass. She appreciated the simple beauties of nature, whether it was planting flowers, tending garden, enjoying a sunset, or even discovering a unique rock along the way.

Ruth's pride and joy was her family, including her loving husband of 55 years, three children, four grandchildren, four step grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. She loved nothing more than a weekend or holiday filled with games, giggles, cuddles and FOOD, often spending days ahead of family's arrival preparing everyone's favorite treats.

She is survived by husband Ronald; children Ronald Jr. and wife Joan, Renee and husband John, Robyn and husband Mike; grandchildren BlakeLynn and fiance' Brandon, Larissa, Raymond and Annerose; Step-grandchildren Nick, Elizabeth (Alix), Brynn and Austin; and step great-grandchildren Easton, Lucia and Ari; mother, Ovidia Schneider; Sisters Barb and husband Mike, Karen and husband Larry; brother, John and wife Judy  and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Ruth was proceeded in death by her father Olaf Sletten, sister Nancy Steigerwalt, and stepfather Wesley Schneider.

In lieu if flowers the family requests that memorials be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital, Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Kramer and the United Parish in Bottineau.