Ruth Evelyn (Chapel) Boyum, 87, passed away peacefully on October 21st, 2020 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester MN. Ruth was born to Lloyd Sr. and Lula (Ray) Vix on April 25, 1933 in Hokah, MN. She grew up and lived the majority of her life in the Houston area where she graduated from Houston High School. She had four children with her first husband Richard Chapel. She was married to Donald Boyum and later divorced.
Ruth grew up in a primarily dairy farming family. Throughout her life, she worked in the areas of finance, bookkeeping/secretarial, and then made farming the mainstay of her business career. Ruth was also a real estate broker, appraiser, and the owner of "Ruth's Realty" in Houston.
Ruth was a member of the Cross of Christ Lutheran church where she served as WELCA President, Sunday school teacher, and participated in Bible study groups. She was an active leader in 4-H with her children. Ruth was a very civic minded person participating in various state and county organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, Real Estate and Appraisal Associations
Ruth delighted in the company of others, often in the form of dancing, playing cards, and spending time with her family. She loved driving the tractor and just a few weeks ago was mowing her CRP land. Ruth's outgoing and friendly nature was a pleasure to everyone she met.
Cherishing her memory are her 4 children; Joan (Scott) Gregory (Chandler, AZ), Jim (Julie) Chapel, Peggy Chapel, Patty (Larry) VanGundy, all of Houston; grandchildren: Tyler Gregory, Austin (Molly) Gregory, and Bryson Gregory (Chandler, AZ), Brandy (Ryan) Nohrenberg, Jeremy (Jen) VanGundy, Jason (Tanya) VanGundy; great-grandchildren: Carvir & Axson Nohrenberg, Tate & Breana VanGundy, Landyn & Vadyn VanGundy. Two brothers; Lloyd Vix Jr., Charlie (Barb) Vix.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Sr. and Lula Vix.
There will be a Celebration of Life for the family on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, MN. There will be no visitation. The service will be live-streamed on the Cross of Christ website https://www.facebook.com/ Cross-of-Christ-Lutheran-Church-152900184724030/ .The service bulletin for Ruth's funeral will be available on the church website at www.crossofchristhouston.org. Ruth will be laid to rest in the Stone Church Cemetery. Please leave a memory of Ruth and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials can be made to the Stone Church Cemetery Fund and cards and memorials may be mailed to Hoff Funeral Home c/o the Ruth Boyum Family P.O. Box 625 Rushford, MN 55971.
Tributes
John Hempstead wrote on Nov 3, 2020:
"The Vix family was neighbor to Hempsteads. Ruth was in Caroljean\'s class in school at Houston. We rode the bus together for seven years until the HHS class of 1951 graduated. I had the privilege of talking with her a few times after we moved to La Crosse. She was quite an entrepreneur. I wasn\'t able to find her obit at first because the name Vix was omitted. I celebrate Ruth\'s life as a Vix, as a Chapel and as a Boyum. It was a life well lived."
Joy Rockwell wrote on Oct 29, 2020:
"So saddened to hear of Doot?s passing. I vividly recall meeting her as a child, thinking ?I didn?t know grandma?s could be like that!?. Such a zest and positivity about her ? I?m so sorry for your loss."
Brandy Lewison wrote on Oct 29, 2020:
"Grandma Doot! I will always remember the time I spent with Brandy and you as a kid. We had so much fun with sleepovers, shopping and all of our other adventures. I also remember the happy and positive light you shined on us and everyone around you. You will be missed. "
Matt Runningen and family wrote on Oct 28, 2020:
"I\'m sorry to hear this. I\'ll always remember her driving past my house and never forgetting to wave. She had tons of energy and a great work ethic. Sad loss for Mound Prairie."
Roxanne & Dean Fulmer wrote on Oct 28, 2020:
"We have such sweet memories of Ruth and what she meant to us. She loved us as if we were her own flesh and blood as we did her. Our hearts go out to Ruth?s entire family. Roxanne (Boyum) and Dean Fulmer family."
Dan & Kathy Todd wrote on Oct 28, 2020:
"Our sincere condolences to Ruth\'s family. Take comfort in knowing Ruth is at peace in heaven."
Scott and Rebecca Nelson wrote on Oct 28, 2020:
"Thoughts and prayers to Ruth\'s family."
Diane & Dean Darrington wrote on Oct 28, 2020:
"Our hearts go out to Ruth?s family during this sad time! I know she loved her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. We have good memories of Ruth and all the dances we were at together. Her love for anything John Deere always made us smile and we loved her positive attitude. Glad I got to spend a short time with her a couple of weeks ago. RIP Ruth "
Wayne & Carla Fitting wrote on Oct 27, 2020:
"We send love, sympathy, hugs & prayers to all of Ruth?s family. Her smile, wave & kind positivity will not be forgotten. "
Jerry and Jeanne Tippery wrote on Oct 27, 2020:
"Sorry to hear about Ruth. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all."
Michelle Kurtz wrote on Oct 27, 2020:
"My sympathy to the family. Hold your memories near."
Mark Goggin wrote on Oct 27, 2020:
"I met Ruth through a mutual friend of ours Dianne. I enjoyed seeing Ruth dancing, she was so pleasant."
Ruth Ann & Ellsworth wrote on Oct 26, 2020:
"Sorry for the loss of your dear mom. We enjoyed our friendship, dinners and playing cards always with a smile. "
diane lisowski wrote on Oct 26, 2020:
"To the Family of Ruth Want to express my sincerest sympathy. Met Ruth at a dance many years ago, She invited us to the farm after a dance at Houston and we danced some more at the farm. She was a very special lady and always had the wonderful wave and smile and we always tried to visit at the dance and when Earl and Ruth didn\'t come to the concordia we saw them often at the family restaurant and had the pleasure of visiting a little then She will be missed by many"
Judy Mrachek wrote on Oct 26, 2020:
"Our sympathy to all the Chapel family. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Judy & Steve Mrachek"
Dan & Kathy Todd wrote on Oct 25, 2020:
"My heart goes out to all of Ruth\'s family. Many happy memories growing up in Sheldon. She had an unforgettable smile. She will be missed by many."
Kay Nelson wrote on Oct 25, 2020:
"Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Family, Rest in Peace Ruth. Arvid & Kay Nelson"
Greg and Tammy Boldt wrote on Oct 24, 2020:
"Our sympathy to Ruth?s family!"
Jim & Lori Hoff wrote on Oct 24, 2020:
"Our sympathy to Ruth\'s family and loved ones. She was a very nice lady and was great help to us in dealing with real estate. Blessed be her memory..."
Stacy Vix wrote on Oct 24, 2020:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ruth. "
Melinda Knutson and Dave Ford wrote on Oct 24, 2020:
"Our thoughts are with Ruth?s family. She had a long and active life. We often saw her polka dancing at the Concordia Ballroom!"
Denise Rostad wrote on Oct 23, 2020:
"Sending my love to Ruth\'s family. "