Ruth Swalstad Ogren age 99 passed away on June 26, 2021 following a long and full life.  She was born to Theodore & Ida (Olson) Swalstad in Hillsboro, ND, October 11, 1921. After the untimely death of Ida when Ruth was 2, Theo married Ida's sister Ruby who raised Ruth as her own.  The family took road trips including driving to Yellowstone on country roads in the 1930's and this sparked Ruth's interest in travel and camping. After high school, she attended Fairview Hospital nursing program in Minneapolis and met her husband-to-be while a nursing student.  Three days after graduation, she married Lloyd R. Ogren in Shelly, MN, September 5, 1943.

The following year, Lloyd was offered a position by the Boy Scouts of America as Field Executive of Red River Valley Council. The job offer required that his wife also sign the acceptance because "the wife is a very important member of the team in this game of scouting."  They signed on and moved to Valley City, ND where they started their family of three sons. Summers were spent at Camp Wilderness, Park Rapids, MN, where Lloyd served as Camp Director in the 1950's. Ruth was active in scouting and went on many camping outings and canoe trips and built a large repertoire of campfire meals. Lloyd's scouting career took them to Fargo, ND; Albert Lea, MN; Edina, MN; and Princeton, NJ.  Wherever they lived, Ruth created a beautiful home and practiced hospitality. She cherished her Norwegian heritage; at her house, the "Velkommen" mat was always out, the coffee pot was on and the cookie jar full.  In Albert Lea in the 1950's, Ruth resumed her nursing career at Naeve Hospital and continued to practice nursing until her retirement. After Lloyd retired from the BSA, they settled in Marine on St.Croix, MN, and Ruth continued to work at Oseola Hospital until she was 70.

Marine was Ruth's home for over forty years and she put down roots there. A lifelong Lutheran, she was active in Christ Lutheran Church and volunteered at Warner Nature Center for 35 years. A favorite job was monitoring bluebird houses to promote bluebird recovery and she trekked through woods and fields on her rounds well into her 90's.  She loved her community and keeping up with old friends and family. For nearly 80 years she remained close to nursing school classmates. She also was an active member of a PEO Sisterhood Chapter in Stillwater that supported education for women.

Ruth's Norwegian traditions were on full display at Christmas as she decorated the house and prepared lefse, krumkaka, other fancy cookies and, of course, lutefisk.  By early December she had her tree up, baking done, and cards written so she could fully enjoy the holidays.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years and sisters Margaret, Theone and brother Burlin.  She is survived by sister, Barbara Ellis, sons Tom (Kristin), Paul, and David, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her love of nature and the outdoors lives on in her children and grandchildren and she will be greatly missed by all.

Service will be at Christ Lutheran Church,  arine on St. Croix, with interment in Oakland Cemetery, Marine on St. Croix. Date and time of service to be announced.