Ruth Shervheim

Ruth Elaine Rhodes Shervheim, “Ruthie,” age 92, died on December 24, 2023, at home in Billings, Montana, where her daughter and son-in-law, Robette “Robbi” and Gary Weitz, cared for her for many years.

Ruthie was born in Sutton, ND, on April 6, 1931, to Orion and Frances Rhodes. She was the second of six children. During her childhood, her family spent their summers on the road traveling with the carnival. Ruth and her siblings had many exciting opportunities to travel the five-state region and work alongside their parents in a variety of carnival games and exhibits, including an exotic animal show and several mechanical shows. During the fall, winter, and spring, Ruthie attended school at Cooperstown, ND, and graduated high school in 1949.

During the summer of 1949, Ruthie met the love of her life and future husband Lloyd Shervheim at the carnival where he and his brother Myron ran a hamburger stand. Lloyd and Ruthie were married on October 29, 1950, in Hector, MN. They made their home in Minneapolis and soon began a family while Lloyd pursued his law degree. She cheerfully supported him through lean years while his career and their family grew. She was his main support as he rose to the top of his profession. The couple was blessed with seven children. In 1967 they moved to Lake Elmo, MN, where they stayed until after Lloyd's retirement.

Ruthie was a talented homemaker who created tasteful, beautiful spaces in every home in which she lived. She had an eye for beauty and she furnished her homes to provide both comfort and elegance. She was an exemplary hostess and always made sure her guests were at ease.

She was creative and explored many crafts in her lifetime including painting, sewing, knitting, embroidery, and quilting. She did meticulous work, supplying her family with embroidered towels and hand-appliqued quilts. She embroidered baby quilts for each of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was a prolific letter-writer who continued to send monthly cards and letters to her many friends and family members throughout her life. She was an avid reader and enjoyed word games and crossword puzzles. She especially enjoyed the casino and blackjack was her game of choice.

Ruthie was beautiful, charming, stylish, witty, and full of enthusiasm for life. She loved to visit new places and had the opportunity to travel overseas with Lloyd numerous times. After Lloyd retired, the couple moved to Arizona but spent a lot of time traveling the country in their RV. Lloyd passed away in 2001 and Ruthie then married lifelong friend Carrol Torgerson in 2003. The two enjoyed seven years together before Carrol passed away in 2010.

Ruthie was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Shervheim, second husband Carrol Torgerson, parents Orion and Frances Rhodes, stepfather Clair Coleman, son Daniel Steven Shervheim, granddaughter Tori Ann Isler, brother Elmer Rhodes, sisters Eldora Moulder and Betty Knisely.

Ruthie is survived by her children Anne Romsa (Andy), Heidi Hamilton (Jim), Garold “Gary” Shervheim (Diane), Robette “Robbi” Weitz (Gary), Shanna Shervheim, and Bryce Shervheim (Gina), thirty-two grandchildren, forty-three great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, brothers John Rhodes and Larry Rhodes, and many nieces and nephews.