Ruth Nolting Ahrens was the eldest of four children born to Paul F. and Eva (nee Bartz) Nolting. She entered this world in Monticello, MN on July 12, 1949. Her siblings include sisters, Susan (Mrs. Steven) Lentz and Beth (Mrs. Mark) Kranz, and brother, Paul David Nolting. She was granted faith in Jesus Christ and thus received membership in God's family through baptism on July 31, 1949. She was baptized by her father at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church; Pelican Lake, MN. At the age of 13 she acknowledged her faith in the Triune God through the rite of Confirmation, again administered by her father, this occasion recorded at Grace Lutheran Church; Sleepy Eye, MN May 12, 1963. "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." - Psalm 37:5 Ruth was both a graduate of Immanuel Lutheran High School; Eau Claire, WI (1967) and of the University of South Carolina (1971). On June 14, 1969 she wed Dennis Arthur Ahrens. Dennis was God's greatest earthly gift to Ruth. Upon her death she had yet to fully appreciate the depth of his strength and character. Created with love, carried with hope, and welcomed with joy were their four daughters: Marit Jeaneva Ahrens, Alana Lorae Ahrens, Kendra Leigh (Joshua) Joswiak, and Stephanie Christine (Dale) Bernthal. God's biggest blessings are little ones. October 19, 2010, the Joswiaks, according to God's plan, presented Dennis and Ruth with a granddaughter, Tenley Ruth. Ruth was privileged to engage in several earthly delights – a nursing career practiced for 10 years at Worthington Regional Hospital in Worthington, MN and for over 25 years at Cherry County Hospital in Valentine, NE; a modest music ministry; personally practicing and encouraging others to embrace the science and art of healthy living; travel within and outside the USA. On September 4, 2009 Ruth was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was sustained through this trial by her loving Lord, by a marvelous family, by the warmth and caring of her church family and many friends, by the extraordinary support from her Sandhills community. She was taken to heaven on December 11th, 2011.

"Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." - Psalm 73: 23-26

Memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 at 4:00 PM at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine.