Ruth M. Stewart, 91

Ruth M. Stewart (nee Donovan), 91, a long-term resident of St. Paul, Minn., and formerly of Owatonna and Alexandria, Minn., and Bigfork, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, died peacefully Dec. 11, 2006, in St. Paul.

Ruth was a graduate of Derham Hall and an avid golfer, traveler, bridge player and community volunteer.

Ruth was a strong, engaged and independent woman with great Irish wit, wisdom, and grace.

She is survived by children, George Stewart and Kaky, Peggy Chisholm, and Dick Stewart and Patti, all of Alexandria; Kate Stewart, Pat Winkel and Denny, all of Kalispell; Bill Stewart and Debbie of Owatonna; and Ruth 'Candy' Tripp and David of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, George Stewart and Katie, Will Stewart and Katie, Anne Stedman and Jon, Susan Linnihan and Brian, Katie Nadeau and Dennis, Joe Chisholm, Stewart Chisholm, Tim Stewart, Patrick Stewart, Maggie Weinkauf and Mike, Todd Winkel, Kevin Winkel, Rob Stewart, Brian Stewart, Austin Tripp and Ellie Tripp; and 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, John Donovan and Eleanor, and Jerry Donovan and Maurna; and sisters, Helen Haun and Ray, Dorothy McGuire and Mary Quigley.

Ruth was preceded in death by Kenneth Stewart; parents, George and Margaret Donovan; brother, Dick Donovan; sisters, Jean Hoskinson and Virginia Donovan; and great-grandson, Rockwell Nadeau.

The family offers their special thanks to caregivers, Ann Riebe and Sylvia Bemlott.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at St. Mark's Catholic Church (2001 Dayton at Moore Street, St. Paul). Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home (575 S. Snelling Ave., 651-698-0796). Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Home-St. Paul, or the Ruth Stewart Foundation, c/o Bremer Bank, P.O. Box 937, Alexandria, MN 56308; or to the donor's choice.