May 3, 1940 – October 12, 2025
Ruth M. Anderson, 85, of Mason City, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the IOOF Home in Mason City.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service.
Ruth Mildred Blomquist was born May 3, 1940, in Willmar, MN, the daughter of A. LeRoy “Roy” and Mildred (Tatting) Blomquist. Raised in a home where education was valued, Ruth was a bright and driven student who proudly graduated from Wilmer High School a year early. In 1957, she married Robert “Bob” Lind, and together they welcomed four children: Rick, Patti, Steve, and Kurt. The family made their home in Mason City, and though the couple separated, Ruth created a loving foundation for her children. She later continued her education at NIACC, earning her Associate’s Degree in business and accounting.
Ruth built a long and dedicated career in the community, first working for Thorp Credit before finding her place at Surgical Associates, now Mason City Clinic. She worked in the administrative offices for more than 30 years, retiring in the early 2000s.
On June 30, 1990, Ruth married Kenneth Anderson Sr. at their cottage in St. Ansgar, joining two families into one. With Ken, she gained bonus children and a growing legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved deeply.
Ruth and Ken made the most of their years together, splitting their time between Iowa and Arizona where they managed an RV park and embraced the slower pace and sunshine of the desert. They loved to travel, rarely missing a good stock car race or a chance to take the motorcycle out for a ride. Ruth was active in their communities, giving her time and energy to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, the VFW and VFW Auxiliary, First Presbyterian Church in Mason City and John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Arizona. She was a proud redhead with a spark in her eye and a voice that carried, though the looks she could give often said more than words ever could. Ken would tease her with a playful “Ruther”, stirring up a reaction that made everyone laugh. She loved fiercely and showed it in every way she could. Cards were sent for every birthday, holiday, and celebration, and she never missed a family event. Whether it was a grandchild’s activity, Band Fest, or Halloween gathering, Ruth was there. Family meant everything to her, and she considered it one of her greatest blessings to love and be loved by so many.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Ken Anderson; children, Patti (Bob) Kratz of Oakland, Arkansas, Steve (Nancy) Lind of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Kurt (Pam) Lind of Mason City; bonus children, Sandi Roggeman, Ken (Teresa Funk) Anderson Jr., Dean (Sherry) Anderson; grandchildren, Tyler (Andrea) Lind, Brittany (Nick) Sorenson, Ryan (Morgan) Lind, Tonya Anderson, Brandon (Lexi) Anderson, Joshua (Jamie) Roggeman, Kaleb Anderson, Karter Anderson, Katelyn Anderson, Tori Anderson special friend, Clayton Willett, Jami (Carson) Blunt, Abbi Anderson and fiancé Cadyn Elings; 24 great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; sister-in-law, Judy Blomquist; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Preceding her in death are her son, Richard Lind; bonus children, Steve Anderson and Kendra Anderson; grandson, Jordon Roggeman, a great-granddaughter, Lucy Lind; parents; Roy and Mildred Blomquist; bonus son-in-law, Greg Roggeman, bonus daughter-in-law Dr. Karen Anderson, a sister, Lois (Sidney “Sid”) Bock; brothers, James (Lois) and Larry Blomquist; Ken’s seven siblings, Doris (Herb) Coleman, Donald “Bub” (Alice) Anderson, Harold (Loretta) Anderson, Dan (JoAnn) Anderson, Jim (Mary) Anderson, Barb (John) Davisson, Norma (Jerome “Diz”) Farrell; as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family.
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