Ruth Leora (Miller) Nepper, 77, died December 18, 2003 at her home surrounded by the love of her children following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM, Monday, December 22, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. John Wollenzien officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 4 " 8 PM, Sunday, December 21, 2003 at Johnson Green Funeral Home, Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7 PM, Sunday. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to services in the church, Monday.

Ruth Leora Miller Nepper was born in Courtney, North Dakota, April 3, 1926 to Albert and Beret Lunseth Miller. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Grand Forks, where she was confirmed at United Lutheran Church, and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School. She attended college at St. Lukes School of Nursing, Fargo, ND. She was united in marriage with James Lowell (Nep) Nepper, February 5, 1949 in Barnesville, MN. They lived and raised their family in Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls. Ruth was widowed after 25 years of marriage, when Nep died following a long illness. Throughout her life Ruth worked as a Registered Nurse. She used her skills in many different areas of Health Care, working for Grand Forks Public Health, St. Michaels Hospital, Inter-County Community Council Head Start, and Glenmore Recovery Center. She was the Director of the Quinn County W.I.C. Program for ten years before her retirement in 1991. Ruth was an active volunteer in the community. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, she served terms as Church Council President and President of the TLCW. She was instrumental in founding a local chapter of the Kidney Foundation, and volunteered with the Northwest Medical Center Auxiliary and Life-Line service. Ruth was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Zehlians. In 1993, she was named a Woman of Honor by the American Association of University Women. She enjoyed traveling to Arizona in the winter and spending time at Minnesota Lakes in the summer. Most of all, Ruthie loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Ruth is survived by six children: Barbara Nepper (John McLaughlin), St. Louis Park; Gayle Brus (Allan), Minnetonka; Tom Nepper (Roxi), Plymouth; Sally Erickson (Rick), Thief River Falls; Kathy Palacio (Peter), Bend, Oregon; and Lisa Berg (Brad), Middle River; sixteen grandchildren, Colin McLaughlin; Chad, Kristi and Ryan Kelly; Logan and Jack Brus; Casey and Taylor Nepper; Ben and Trudy Erickson; Kara, Sam and Marita Palacio; Hannah, Eiley and Sydney Berg; a brother-in-law, John Nepper, Omaha, NE; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by parents, husband, and a sister.
The family suggests memorials be gifted to First Care Hospice of Thief River Falls.