Ruth Agnes Thorsheim

Ruth A. Thorsheim, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Ava's House in Sioux Falls. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Lowell, at Pleasant View Cemetery in Harrisburg.

Ruth was born on the first of November, 1944, to Roy and Agnes (Potter) Sunderman in Avon, South Dakota. She attended various schools throughout rural South Dakota.

One of Ruth's first jobs was working in a hospital as a candy striper. She helped care for a man who had hurt his back and needed back surgery. His name was Lowell Thorsheim. They fell in love and were married on December 21, 1968, during a blizzard in Hudson, South Dakota. Ruth and Lowell lived on a farm in Canton, South Dakota, for many years before moving to Brandon, South Dakota.

After Lowell passed away in 1991, Ruth moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, she worked various jobs throughout the years, including at Sunshine Foods, Shopko, Wal-Mart, and most recently, Mernards.

Ruth had many hobbies. She enjoyed crocheting and different styles of needlework. She made many quilts, often gifting them to her family and friends. She loved cooking, baking, and gardening. She also enjoyed canning and was known for her canned watermelon rinds! She even dabbled in painting ceramics. Above all, Ruth cherished the time spent with her family, including her beloved dogs.

Ruth spent the last year living peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society before entering Ava's House. The family would like to thank all the people at both locations for their kindness and support.

Grateful for sharing her life are her sisters, Joyce Sunderman and Elnora Winzurk, both of Lakewood, CO; brother, James (Lori) Sunderman of Champlin, MN; nieces, LuAnn (Tom) Ford and Emily (John) Baird; nephew, Rob Winzurk; great-nieces, Kathryn Ford, Elizabeth Ford, and Brooke Baird; and great-nephew, Jack Baird.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Thorsheim; parents, Roy and Agnes Sunderman; sisters, Irene Merritt and Alice Entringer; and brother-in-law, Robert Winzurk.

.