Ruth LARSEN

In the watchful care of her devoted husband of 61 years and her son John, Ruth peacefully passed away in Lake Havasu City, Az; September 20, 2007. Ruth's story began in the small Danish farming community ofNysted, Nebraska, October 4th, 1921, the only child of Tom and Amanda (Nielsen) Hermansen.As her father and mother were members of large families themselves, Ruth was blessed with constant family companionship growing up. Ruth wrote that "music and song was such a part of the Hermansen Family as well as the Nysted Community, centered around the Danish heritage of the Lutheran Church and the folk school". She bestowed these values of family, community, music and love upon everyone she met throughout her life. Soon after WWII, Ruth married her beloved "sailor", Earl E. Larsen, December 2nd, 1945. In the following years, while living in Des Moines, Iowa, Ruth gave birth to three sons, Thomas, Charles and John Larsen between the years of 1948 and 1952. Moving from Iowa in 1959 to Gardena, CA, Ruth continued her central identity and accomplished role as a devoted wife and loving mother to her 3 sons. Residences changed during the years from Gardena to Rancho Palos Verdes, CA to San Diego, CA and finally to Lake Havasu City, AZ; but her unwavering support to family never diminished. Ruth and Earl traveled extensively; sojourning to Denmark five times visiting Hermansen and Larsen relatives, as well as experiencing Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Guam, Alaska and Hawaii, though of late drew comfort in watching the beautiful sunsets found over Lake Havasu. One can not recall a time when Ruth was not actively volunteering, especially in Lake Havasu City, either at Mount Olive Lutheran Church (quilter, Naomi Circle, WELCA) or Havasu Regional Medical Center. An avid bridge player she would even stand-in for the "men" that could not attend Earl's bridge group.Ruth cherished her family; her husband Earl; John and wife Cheryl ("CJ" Walker); Charles and wife Mary (Adair); Tom and wife Anne (Jolly); and grandchildren; Holly McHale-Larsen and husband Stephen; Keith Larsen and wife Karin (Norquist); Brian Larsen and Bonnie Larsen. Ruth leaves behind a precious legacy of devotion to a family who will always treasure her memory. She was indeed a" Happy Dane".A Memorial service will be held to celebrate her Life on September 29,2007,10 A.M. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2170 Havasupai Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ.In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations by made in Ruth's memory to Hospice Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ; 86405 or a charity of you choice.Condolences and thoughts can be made to her family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.