Ruth E. Everett

Ruth Elizabeth Cunningham was born on October 20, 1941 in the family farmhouse in Sweet Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. She was lovingly raised by her mother, Gertrude Mae (Miller) Cunningham and father, Charles Leon Cunningham on the farm where they raised sheep and crops. She had two older brothers, David and Daniel, and a younger brother, Mark. Ruth went to the country school by their homestead until 4th grade and then to Pipestone Public Schools. She was involved in many school activities such as: Class President, Play Festival, Girl’s Glee Club, Mixed Chorus, Pep Club, State Latin Contest, World Affairs and Treasurer. She was crowned Homecoming Queen and graduated in 1959. She attended Mankato State University in nursing and switched to a teaching degree. Her roommate, Eileen, future sister-in-law, is how she met her life mate and loving husband, Leslie Allen Everett. On April 21, 1962, they were married at the Methodist Church in Pipestone. They assisted on the farm for a year and had a son, Allen Mark. It was decided that Les would attend the University of Minnesota from 1963-66. During this time, Ruth did home daycare and a daughter was born, Elizabeth Ann. Leon and Gertrude needed help with the farm in 1966, so they moved back to the Pipestone homestead where Debra Ruth, Amy Lynn, and Christopher Leslie were born. Ruth spent most of her time raising their five kids and helping on the farm.

It was important to Ruth and Les to bring their family to church, Sunday School and Confirmation at St. Paul Lutheran where Ruth taught Sunday school and was involved in Ladies Aid and Choir. Ruth loved spending time with her family and friends, going to her kids and grandkids activities and sporting events, Al Oplands, and political activities. She had a passion for helping others, arranging flowers, refinishing antique furniture and was certificated in massage healing. Ruth sold flower arrangements and antiques, and opened a store in Pipestone called "Everett Antiques" in 2011 and then later bought and co-owned "Antiques on the Square" in 2014.

In 2015, Ruth was diagnosed with cancer. Les was by her side and her caretaker at home these last years. Her strength, courage and faith through it all is commendable. Ruth will be remembered for many things, but especially for her everlasting kindness, love, support, caring ways, cheerful and beautiful soul. On Friday, April 15, 2022 while at the Pipestone County Medical Center, Ruth went to be with her Lord at the age of 80 years, five months and 26 days.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Les; daughters, Debra Schroeder (John) and Amy Mernik (Mark); son, Christopher Everett; grandchildren, Gerika, Jayden, Jennifer, Ciara, Brittany, Mason, Jordan, Zach, Elly, Mark, Maggie and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Raylea, Gabriel, Abigail, Kadyn, Avery, Jackson, Hailey, Elise, Phoebe, Joshua, Mikah, Aislyn, Josiah, Jayden, Alayna, Caden and Cole; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Gertrude; son, Allen; and daughter, Elizabeth Belew; brothers, David and Mark; and step-father, Robert Worden.