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, at Warren, MN, the daughter of Maynard and
Marville (Thompson) Morrissey. She was baptized at 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 theIn 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 was the best Mom anyone could ask for. She was a teacher and a
role model until the end. She passed on her strong faith to her family. Ruth taught at Hughes Elementary
School (when Randy started school, so did Ruth). She retired in 1988.
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
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.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local Hospice. As Mom signed every letter – Love
and Prayers.
Arrangements with Johnson Funeral Service, Red Lake Falls, MN.