Ruth Elise Hanson

She has begun her magic carpet ride as she ascends into Heaven.

Ruth Elise Hanson, age 89, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024 at noon. Her place of residence was New Perspective Senior Living since 2016. Suffering with Parkinson’s, Ruth required care that her sons could not provide.

Ruth was born a twin on July 14, 1935 to Paul and Marie (Sonnek) Yokiel on the family farm on the south shore of Minnesota Lake. She came from a strong Catholic family with eight other siblings, putting her in the middle of the family. Growing up on the farm, she developed a strong work ethic, which carried throughout her entire life. She was a neat freak and cleanaholic. Her babysitting skills were above the norm. After graduating from Minnesota Lake High School (Lakers) in 1953, Ruth and her sister, Rose, moved to Mankato.

She sought employment at the new St. Joseph’s Hospital on Garden Boulevard, working switchboard and admissions clerk, which required her to answer the ambulance bell clipboard in hand. It was there she met Robert DeWitte, an ambulance driver for Art Kost Towing and Ambulance. Their budding romance ended in marriage on January 22, 1955 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minnesota Lake. 

Living in an upstairs apartment on Second Street and Walnut put them in the middle of growing Mankato. In late June, Ruth had her first son, Kenneth John. A mere 14 months later, a second son was born, Bradley David. She cherished her two sons throughout her entire life, providing them with Catholic education at SS. Peter and Paul and Loyola schools. Ruth also served as assistant den mother for Cub Scouts. Her son, Kenny, went on to Troop 24 and later obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. Nothing like making a mother proud.

As the boys transitioned from high school, Bob and Ruth were divorced in 1974. Ruth moved into Glenwood Terrace Apartments. The apartments were managed by one of her besties, Barb Coughenour. Ruth basically became second-in-command. She was known as the parking lot superintendent and had All American Towing on speed dial! It was also at Glenwood Terrace Apartments that her other friend, Stella Leckliter, resided in the apartment below Ruth’s. No phone necessary – just run up and down the stairs. Both of her friends have preceded her in death.

In 1980, Ruth met a truck driver from Fairfax. Ron Hanson (Hobby Trucker) was a real charmer. It wasn’t long and he asked her son for approval to marry, which he approved. Ron’s dad was a retired Methodist minister in Fairfax, so devout Ruth married outside of her church, nevermind.

Ruth gave up her 30+ career at ISJ hospital to satisfy Ron in Fairfax. The next thing, Ruth was stricken with breast cancer and Mr. Hanson sent her packing. She returned to Mankato in 1990 and was a happy lady again. She began cleaning houses for doctor’s wives in the area. Her daughter-in-law was expecting her first and only grandchild, Nicole Marie DeWitte. Grandma Ruth was in her element. At this time, her mother, Marie, was declining and Ruth cared for her until she passed in 1993.

A short time later, Ruth met a gentleman from church who had lost his wife. Things happened smoothly, and before you knew it, they were roommates! This new love interest was Bob Blace, a retired meat cutter at Randall’s Grocery. He may have swooned her with his boat and fishing skills! Her family reminded her she had two failed marriages; just live with this one… enough said! While living with Bob, Ruth was developing onset Parkinson’s. She had a dreaded fall on Superbowl Sunday in 2016. She never returned to their shared living arrangement. Ruth transitioned to Oak Lawn Nursing Home and then Keystone, now New Perspective Senior Living, her home of the last eight years. 

Ruth is survived by her son, Kenny DeWitte, and his wife, Christine, of North Mankato; granddaughter, Nicole (Cody) Brunick of Mankato; great-grandson, Lund Brunick; daughter-in-law, Diane DeWitte of Montgomery; sister, Eva Vaughn of Austin, TX; brother, Norbert (Janet) Yokiel of Easton; sister, Joan Kuntz of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Anita Pocius of Azusa, CA; special nieces, Jane Wolverton and Mary Pat Lund; sister-in-law, LeeAnn DeWitte; and scores of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert G. DeWitte (2001); son, Bradley D. DeWitte (2023); twin sister, Rose Wilson (2024); sisters, Ann Dauk and Mary Derner; brother, James Yokiel; parents, Paul and Marie Yokiel; and her last live-in, Bob Blace.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11am, Saturday, December 28, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at a later date at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Mankato. Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to either the Parkinson’s Foundation or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

The family wishes to thank the staff at New Perspective Senior Living. You were the greatest! Bingo! Last but not least, thank you to the staff at St. Croix Hospice. What would I have done without you? Claire Hruby, you are an angel!