Ruth Marie McColley, mother of 78, passed away on August 9, 2024 at her home in Dodge Center surrounded by family. Ruth fought bravely against breast cancer for 10 years. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Ruth was born on April 10, 1946, the seventh of eight children to Elmer and Edna (Dahl) Borgen. She attended Chatfield High School. She met her husband Wayne at the Playmore Ballroom where they quickly fell in love and were married on April 6, 1968. They were blessed with three daughters and a son and raised their granddaughters Kayla and Sarah after the death of their daughter Tammy. Ruth and Wayne moved from Rochester, MN to Dodge Center, MN in 1971 where Ruth and Wayne worked side by side and built their dream farm together.
Ruth and Wayne were long-time members of Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center. Faith was an important part of every phase of Ruth’s life.
Ruth and Wayne enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, especially stopping at plantations in the South and exploring their rich history. They spent many years being part of the Friendship Train. Ruth was especially proud to raise funds for the train each year to support the Special Olympics.
Ruth’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren and created lasting memories, especially on Sundays when the family always came together. Ruth cherished all relationships between her extended family members. Her warm smile and open arms welcomed everyone into her home. She was passionate about collecting angels. Ruth and Wayne enjoyed dancing the polka and waltz.
Ruth’s family remembers her doughnuts, meatballs and corn jam most of all. She enjoyed eating out, spending time with her family and husband Wayne, and going to Jackpot Junction. She enjoyed her quiet time alone, doing word search puzzles and spoiling Jax, the family dog.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Tammy, her brother Howard Borgen, his wives Shirley Borgen and Barb Borgen, as well as her sister Marion Phelps and her husband Sid Phelps.
Ruth also loved her 3 children, Robert (Jodi) McColley, Doreen (Allan) Nelson and Brenda (Owen) Moe who will remember her most for her beautiful smile and kind heart; her 13 grandchildren, Kayla, Sarah, Samatha, Morgan, Justin, Haley, Braeden, Emery, Jacob, Jenna, Valerie, Janessa and Ashlyn; and 4 great grandchildren, Jordyn, Colten, Brantley and Brecken who will carry on her legacy of kindness and joy. She also leaves behind a brother, Palmer (late Audrey) and Nancy, Eva (late Nado Jr) and Larry, Phyllis (Al) Blazing, Donna (late John) Gingrass, Linda (Stan) Scott.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ruth’s oncologists, Dee Smith and Dr. Haddad, and the rest of the team at Gonda 10 South for giving us so many more years to enjoy and love her. Thank you for choosing to work in this field. You are needed, you are appreciated, and you are all heroes in our eyes. May God bless you and your sincere efforts.
Viewing will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in Dodge Center, MN (25 South Street SW) and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, MN (308 2nd St NW). Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN.
The family requests memorial gifts and donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center or a charity of their choice.
Blessed be her memory.
