Services for Ruth (Shelquist) Sandland

Ruth (Shelquist) Sandland died on March 26, 2018 at St Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana.  Her funeral service will be held on March 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Clearbrook, Minnesota with Reverend Robert Kirchman officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley, MN assisted the family with arrangements.

Ruth was born April 29, 1918 in Leon Township, Clearbrook, Minnesota, the daughter of Maurice and Christine Shelquist.  Her father passed away when she was 2 years old, she was raised by her mother along with her 6 siblings on their farm.  She attended Leon School through the 8th grade and completed her goal of getting a GED at the age of 52.  She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Greenwood Lutheran Church, rural Clearbrook.

On April 20, 1940, Ruth was united in marriage with Lester Sandland in Clearbrook, Minnesota.  Following their marriage, they lived and farmed near the Sandland homestead in Greenwood Township.  They had a family of four children, Loyce, Cheryl, Leslie, and Reginald.  Following Lester’s death at the age of 40 in 1957, she sold the farm and moved into Clearbrook.  In 1959, Ruth and her children moved to Thief River Falls, Minn. so she could attend cosmetology training.  Upon graduating, they moved back to Clearbrook where she opened a beauty shop, she continued this business for 39 years.  She also operated the beauty shop at the Good Samaritan Home part time.

Ruth was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, active in bowling leagues, golfing and birthday clubs.  She enjoyed flower gardening, taking care of her home, needlework, traveling, cards and games.  She was always actively involved with her family and friends, which brought her much enjoyment.

Ruth retired in 1998 at the age of 80 years and moved to Minot, ND. to be closer to Cheryl and Vern.   While living there she became involved with 1st Lutheran Church, volunteered at Trinity Hospital, and was a member of the Senior Citizens Center.  She made new friends in Minot and enjoyed many evenings playing cards with a group in her apartment building.

Ruth entered Trinity Nursing Home, Minot, ND. in 2014 and later transferred to Cooney Nursing Home, Helena, MT. in 2016 to be closer to more family.  During her time in Helena, she enjoyed many visits with her grandchildren and great granddaughters.

Ruth enjoyed a long healthy life and had plans to celebrate her 100th birthday in two months.  She often talked about all the changes she had seen and experienced during her life time.  She also met many challenges and hardships during her long life which she faced with strength from her faith and a strong resolve.  She will be missed.

Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl (Vern) Thiessen, Helena, Mt.,  son Reg Sandland of New York, NY, daughter-in-law Jewell Sandland of Yukon, Oklahoma.  Grandchildren are Eric (Carol) Sandland, McKenna, Wa., Matthew Sandland, Yukon, Okla, Jason Sandland, Yukon, Okla., Ryan (Emily) Thiessen of Helena, Mt., Ross Thiessen of Bellingham, Wa.  Great grandchildren are Austin Sandland, Sylvia and Anna Thiessen.  She is also survived by her life long friend/cousin Beulah Richards, sister-in-law Bernice Shelquist, numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, her daughter Loyce Sauve, her son Leslie Sandland, parents, sisters Esther Johnson, Helen Nelson, Irene Tveitbakk, brothers Clarence Shelquist, Elmer Shelquist, and Ernest Shelquist.

Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com