Ruth Ann Bauman, a lifelong resident of Delano, passed away at the age of 86 on July 17, 2018, after a long fought and courageous battle with Parkinson’s.

Ruth was united in marriage to Francis Bauman Aug. 25, 1951, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano.

She was preceded in death by: her loving husband, Francis; her parents, Leland and Reva (Pool) Sutton; sisters Marian Sutton and Betty (Sutton) Powers; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Vince Powers, Edward Clark, Bill Bauman, Mary and Art Boisvert, Jim Lundsten, Ralph and Dorothy Bauman, Lowell Berchtold, and Dick Merriman.

She is survived by: her 6 children, Nancy (Lance) Wetter, Dick (Neta) Bauman, Joan (Alan) Zeltner, Patricia (Doug) Bruhn, Jim (Colleen) Bauman, and Jeff Bauman and friend, Lynn Castellano; 12 grandchildren, Erik (Robyn) Wetter, Kyle (Brenda) Bauman, Ryan (Molly) Wetter, Chad (Ashley) Bauman, Allison (Anthony) Hesano, Kelli (Mike) Wendland, Jacqueline (Benjamin) Gottlieb, Maxx Bauman, Madison Bauman, Matthew Zeltner, Cole Bauman, and Abagail Bauman. She lived to enjoy 17 great-grandchildren, Charlie, Olivia, Joey, Gordon, Drew, Avery, Louis, Jacob, Maya, James, Will, Mara, Daniel, Vin, Zoe, Maxwell, Reed, and was excited to know that yet another great-grandson is on the way. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Leona Clark, and by her sisters-in law and brother-in-law, Ann Lundsten, Georgia Berchtold, Barb Merriman, Lucille and Jim Ronan, and Edie Moran. She cared deeply for her many nieces and nephews as well as other loving relatives and friends.

As a compassionate matriarch, Ruth alongside her husband Fran, provided a safe home to over 30 foster children during her life. Ruth was a generous and selfless caregiver, always thinking of others first with a gentle smile on her face. She spent countless hours as a volunteer driver for the elderly and children’s advocate for Wright County. Ruth was also a member of the national Red Cross Disaster Team, providing aid to those in need when they needed it most. She held a position as the Executive Director of the Crow River Villa in Delano and was instrumental in obtaining a major grant to renovate the facility. Ruth had a passion for genealogy and worked diligently tracing family roots. As an avid gardener, Ruth could be found tending to her raspberries and flowers during the warmer months. She had a great sense of humor, turning misfortunes into humorous stories which she loved sharing with her family. Upon retirement, Ruth and Fran became snowbirds, and enjoyed many winters traveling the US.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation took place on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. in Martha’s Hall of St. Peter Catholic Church. Visitation continued on Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. in Martha’s Hall prior to the Mass in the church.
There was a 3:30 p.m. rosary service and a 8 p.m. prayer service on Monday before and at the close of the visitation.
Special thanks to the Good Samaritan Howard Lake, Dr. Martha Nance, Legacy of Delano and Heartland Hospice staff for their compassionate love and care.