Ruby E. Mutch

1929 - 2016

Ruby E. Mutch

Ruby Mutch, 87, of Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in Sioux Falls.

Ruby Mutch (nee Wemeier) was born January 10, 1929, daughter to Fredrich and Lillian Wemeier, in Arlington, MN where she was raised on her family's farm. Ruby attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN for 2 years and then transferred to Macalester College in St. Paul, MN where she graduated with a degree in education in 1951. Her first job after college was teaching 1st grade in Hudson, Wisconsin. While there, she met Milton Mutch on a blind date. They married a year later in 1953. While Milton finished medical school, Ruby continued teaching in the Minneapolis/St. Paul school district.

Ruby and Milton moved to Sioux Falls, SD in 1959. Over the next 57 years, Ruby was a devoted wife, mother, community leader, gracious hostess and friend. Milton built his medical practice and Ruby became involved in numerous community organizations. She was a steward for First Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school for 15 years, later establishing and fostering the Media Ministry program. Ruby was active on the Sioux Valley Hospital Auxiliary board and particularly enjoyed her involvement in their musical productions each year. Ruby served as President of multiple community organizations, including the Art Center, the South Dakota Symphony, the Sioux Valley Hospital Auxiliary, and her PEO Chapter. She volunteered for Augustana College and the American Cancer Society. Ruby was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Sioux Falls community. She was steadfast in her belief of the importance of giving back to the community that had given so much to her family.

In addition to her civic contributions, Ruby loved to needlepoint, play tennis, travel and entertain. She treasured the times she spent with her children and their families, especially at Okoboji. The decisions Ruby made in life were always principle based and she expected the same of her family. She taught that honesty, keeping your word and hard work were necessary traits. Her life embodied those beliefs. Her energy, commitment and devotion to life and family will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Her children, grandchildren and husband are forever grateful for her love, her encouragement and her example. They are grateful for their time with her and for the principles she instilled in them. In addition to many devoted friends, Ruby is survived by her husband Milton, four children: David (Lynn) Mutch, Creve Coeur, MO, Andrea (David) DeFrain, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Cindy (Michael) Lambert, Plymouth, MN, Matthew (Jennifer) Mutch, Fenton, MO; nine grandchildren: David Mutch, LaFayette, CO, Adrienne (Evan) Anderson, Boulder, CO, Sarah (Michael) McAfee, Rochester Hills, MI, Anne DeFrain, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Peter DeFrain, Decatur, IL, Jonathan Lambert, Ithaca, NY, Madeline Lambert, Des Moines, IA, Megan Mutch, Fenton, MO and Adam Mutch, Fenton, MO; and 2 great granddaughters: Grace McAfee, Rochester Hills, MI and Alice Anderson, Boulder, CO.

Ruby was preceded in death by her father Fredrich Wemeier, her mother Lillian Wemeier and her brother Roy Wemeier.

Memorial services will begin 11:00 am Tuesday at First Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Monday at Miller Funeral Home, Main Avenue location.

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center or the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.

www.millerfh.com