Ruth Ann Gackstetter, age 96, passed away on July 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. Funeral service will be July 20th at 2:00 pm with Visitation one hour before at the First Presbyterian Church, Red Lake Falls, MN. Burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Ruth Ann Saone Morrissey was born May 26, 1929, in Warren, MN, the daughter of Maynard and Marville (Thompson) Morrissey. She was baptized in Warren, MN. The family moved to Gatzke, where Ruth was confirmed in her faith. Ruth attended a rural school, the AC in Crookston, and graduated from Roseau High School in 1946. She earned a degree in Elementary Education at Bemidji State; later going back to receive a degree in Special Education and Kindergarten endorsement.

On December 18, 1949, Ruth Ann was united in marriage to Winton Gackstetter at Laporte, MN. In the fall of 1950, the couple made their home in Red Lake Falls, MN on the banks of the Clearwater River, where they raised their family. Ruth taught at Hughes Elementary School (when Randy started kindergarten, Ruth started Teaching). She retired in 1988.

Ruth was the best Mom anyone could ask for! She was a teacher and a role model until the end!

Ruth passed on her strong faith to her family. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a past Elder and Deacon, and the Ladies Circle. She was a member of the homemakers' group and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and reading. She especially liked spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was so proud to become Westley's Great-Great Grandmother in 2024.

Ruth is survived by children: Shelley (Kent) Spears, Baudette, MN, Lynette (Bill) Krause, Fairbanks, AK, Melani (Chad) Beckel, Northwood, ND, Randal (Connie) Gackstetter, Mendota Heights, MN; grandchildren: Karl (Lura) Spears, Jenny (Tony) Brouse, Annie (Vince) Krause, Will (Monica) Krause, Cole (Stacy) Beckel and Jake (Carly) Beckel; great grandchildren: Aidan, Andrew, Mason, Ajura, Ahmi, Zack, Carson, Max, Jackson, Luna, Odyn,  and great-great grandson Westley.

She was preceded in death by her husband Winton, her parents, and brother, Raymond Morrissey.

If you don't have an address for the family, you may send memorial cards to Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local Hospice. As Mom signed every letter – Love and Prayers,