Ruth Chovancek

Ruth Chovancek was born in Minneapolis, MN on November 13, 1930 to John and Anna Chovancek. Ruth grew up in the “Bohemian Flats” area of Minneapolis now known as the West Bank of the University of Minnesota. She spoke fondly of spending winter afternoons skating and sliding down the hills near the river. Her parents helped to start the Immanuel Baptist Church where Ruth attended for over 80 years of her life.

Ruth’s passion in life was traveling often with her sister, Adeline. She traveled to Europe 13 times, cruised through the Panama Canal, visited all 50 states, attended the Olympic Games in Lake Placid, and skied all over the world.

Ruth worked for the University of Minnesota Graduate School from which she was also a graduate. She is a former President of the Czechoslovak Geneology Society and former member of Sokol. She spoke and wrote in Slovak, and kept in touch with relatives still living in Slovakia.
Ruth will be remembered as a generous person who lived life for its adventures. She loved her family and taught her nieces, to canoe, play games, and enjoy the simple things in life. Auntie Rue would make coupons for her nieces for fun treats or adventures and give them as gifts. Ruth enjoyed knitting, crocheting, fishing, canoeing, painting, going to plays and concerts.
Ruth lived at the Good Samaritan Society- Luverne for the last 2 ½ years where she continued to thrive. Ruth won a local Spelling Bee, a Grand Champion ribbon at the Rock County Fair for a “bucket of flowers”, was part of the crochet club that made over 100 newborn hats to donate to the Luverne hospital, enjoyed music programs, outings to anywhere, and playing Rummikub.

On Sunday, June 24, 2018, Ruth peacefully passed away at the age of 87. Ruth was proceeded in death by her parents John and Anna Chovancek, four sisters; Anna Chovancek, Eleanor Hartmark, Helen Duran, and Adeline Chovancek, three brothers; Milan Vance, Jerry Chovancek, and John Chovancek and special friend, Arnold Pearson. Survived by five nieces: Anna Williams (Phil), Mary Vance, Kimberly Hatherly (Todd), Kathleen Hansen (Jerry), Karen Decort (Joe). Also survived by 8 great nieces and nephews.