Ruth Walior, age 86, of River Falls, Wis., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family, on Oct. 27, 2024, in Burnsville, Minn. Born to Alex and Rose (Karol) Prady on April 29, 1938, in Lancaster, Minn., Ruth’s life was one of deep devotion to family, faith, and the simple joys that brought her the most fulfillment. She graduated from Crookston High School with the class of 1956, a proud member of her community from early on.
Shortly after, on Aug. 3, 1957, Ruth married her soulmate, Howard Walior, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 67 years. Together, they built a family filled with warmth, laughter, and an unshakeable bond. Their marriage blessed them with three daughters: Darcy, Theresa, and Jennifer, each of whom brought Ruth endless pride and joy.
Ruth was a woman of deep compassion and unwavering loyalty. Her family was the heart of her world, and she cherished every opportunity to gather them together. With a knack for hosting, she created memories through countless family gatherings, always welcoming loved ones with a warm smile and a generous spirit. Ruth’s fierce love extended across generations, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she treasured wholeheartedly.
A lifelong reader, Ruth had an insatiable appetite for books, losing herself in the pages of countless novels. Her other passions included gardening, where she found great joy in tending to her landscapes, taking solace in the natural beauty that surrounded her. She had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, often taking time to reflect on the world’s splendor, and found a spiritual connection in every flower and tree she nurtured.
Ruth is survived by her devoted husband, Howard; her loving daughters Darcy (Myke Zurn) Musack, Theresa (Jon) Urena, and Jennifer (Mike) Peterson; her cherished grandchildren Joseph (Haley) Peterson, Brice (AJ Steinmetz) Peterson, Troy Peterson, and Jacob (Ashley) Musack; and three precious great-grandchildren: April, Emmet, and Dorian. She is further survived by her siblings: Mary Walior, Grace Bergevin, Rosie (Dale) Rhode and sister-in-law Marsha Prady.
Ruth joins in eternal rest her parents and siblings Susan (Kenneth) Swenson, Doris (Kenneth) Hanson, Russell Prady, Irene (Robert) Usselman and brothers-in-law Donald Walior and Robert Bergevin, who have gone before her.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, located at 225 S. Third St., River Falls, WI 54022. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. until the start of the service. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.
