Ruth Mildred Myers

Ruth Mildred Olson Halliday Myers died on August 27, 2023 at her Eventide Sheyenne Crossings residence. She was 87. Ruth Olson was born in Pelican Rapids, MN on January 13, 1936 to Orlando and Mildred Olson. She attended Pelican Rapids High School where she was involved with many activities. She graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1953 and went off to study nursing in St. Olaf College’s pre-nursing program. In 1958, Ruth received her nursing degree from Hamline’s School of Nursing in St. Paul, MN. Ruth married Dr. D. Ross Halliday on August 16, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. Ruth and Ross raised four children--Laura, Lynn, Mark, and Kathryn. Ruth and Ross lived in Minot, ND and Rochester, MN before establishing their home in Fargo, ND. In 1987, Ruth married Lawrence Myers where Ruth helped nurture a blended family of 7 step children, their in-laws, and 18 grandchildren. For 29 years, the couple lived in Bismarck, ND and spent their winters in Arizona and their summers at Pelican Lake.

Ruth was a “lake girl”. As a child, Ruth was introduced to the beauty of nature and the water by growing up on Prairie Lake. As an adult, Ruth cherished her time at her place on Pelican Lake where she loved spending time with family, fostering her strong faith, and listening to music; her favorites were Frank Sinatra, the Carpenters, and Barry Manilow. Ruth enjoyed hunting, cleaning, and just “putzing” around the house. As a nurse, Ruth was a natural care-giver and was the queen of volunteering: for 51 years, Ruth was a member in her local PEO organization--providing support and scholarship to young women. Throughout her time in Fargo, Ruth helped unwed teenage mothers by welcoming them into the Halliday’s Fargo home and providing them with support until they were able to be on their own. In addition, Ruth helped start a Suicide Hotline for those in need through Junior League, and Ruth sang in her church choir for many years. Ruth loved her friends; from the Dolly Sisters to her neighbors and classmates, Ruth was the hostess with a kind heart who always saw the good in everything and everybody.

Ruth is survived by her children: Laura (Jim) Boyer--Walcott, ND, Lynn Zarling--Sarasota, FL, Mark Halliday--Maple Grove, MN, and Katie (Doug) Wanous--Owatonna, MN.  She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jim and Kelsey Moe (Avery and Asher), Jessica and Jordan Johansen-Moe, Jack Zarling (Lindsay), Helen Zarling (Emma), Sally Zarling, Haley Halliday (Nate), Hunter Halliday, Luke and Haley Wanous, Millie Wanous (Christian).  She is also survived by her nephews Dan (Valerie) Olson--Bemidji, MN, Matthew Olson--St. Paul, MN, Ryan (Caroline) Olson--Great Falls, MT and a great-niece Winifred.  Ruth was preceded in death by her father Orlando Olson, her mother Millie Olson, her brother Ronnie Olson, her sister-in-law Darlene Olson.

Ruth will be remembered for her smile and kindness, her faith, and her love for family and friends.  To honor Ruth, the family requests memorials be sent to Alzheimer’s research.

Visitation: Friday, October 20, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN. 

Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN with Pastor Eric Schwirian officiating.

Please keep Ruth's family in your thoughts and prayers.