Ruth Jean Pankratz

November 26, 1942 - October 12, 2017

Ruth Jean Pankratz of Glidden went to be with the Lord on October 12, 2017 at the age of 74. Ruth was born to Charles and Etta (Stykel) Vanderberg in Pipestone, Minnesota on Thanksgiving day, November 26, 1942, where she joined her brothers Charles Jr., James, and Glenn. Ruth attended a rural country school and later graduated in 1960 from Jasper, High School in Minnesota. She was baptized in 1954 at the Jasper Presbyterian Church. On Saturday April 19, 2003 she received communion and was confirmed in the Catholic religion at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Glidden. Ruth married Stacy Mace on January 28, 1961 in Beauford, Minnesota. They were later divorced. On May 27, 1972 Ruth married Jerry Pankratz in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jerry died on June 22, 2009. She lived in several locations after high school including Mankato, Minnesota, St. Peter, Minnesota, Lesuer, Minnesota and then moved to Glidden in April of 2000. Ruth and Jerry had a nice vegetable garden and apple trees for the deer. She enjoyed all of the wildlife in the area, playing Bingo, and most of all cheering for the Green Bay Packers. After developing numerous medical problems she became a resident at Mellon Manor. She is survived by her brother Jim, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, and her brothers Glenn and Charles Jr. Memorial Mass will be held Saturday October 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Glidden. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the hour of the Mass at church. Burial will follow at Most Precious Blood Cemetery in Glidden. Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. www.novitzkefuneralhome.com