Ruth Louise Otto

Mankato Mortuary
1001 North Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202

Ruth Louise Otto, 93, entered her heavenly home Saturday June 29, 2013. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday July 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Mankato. Interment will immediately follow at Minneopa Cemetery. The Reverend Harold Tongen will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:30 " 7 pm on Tuesday July 2nd at the Mankato Mortuary 1001 North Riverfront Dr. and also 1 hour before the service at the church.

Ruth was born July 10, 1919 to Arthur and Etta (Eakin) Roberts of South Bend Township, Minnesota. She graduated from Mankato Teachers College Lab School in 1937 and Mankato Teachers College in 1941. The following year she taught in Balaton, MN and in 1942 at North St. Paul High School. The following year she was hired as a research scientist at the Eastman Kodak Labs in Rochester, NY. On May 28, 1946 she married Charles H. Otto of Rochester, NY. Following Chuck's graduation from the University of Illinois in 1947, they moved to Rochester, NY and then to Mankato, MN in 1948.

In the 1950's she sold investments for IDS and worked as a substitute teacher in the Mankato school district. Ruth loved music and sang in church choirs for more than 70 years and directed choir at Zion Presbyterian Church. She had a beautiful voice and sang for many special occasions.

In 1962 to 1985 Ruth and Chuck owned and operated the A&W restaurant in Mankato. Following retirement, Ruth was active in the formation of the Mankato Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity and for 11 years volunteered doing fundraising and marketing. She was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church serving in the positions of Elder and Deacon. Ruth loved her family and church and the many relationships that she developed through these activities.

Ruth is survived by children, Charles Dean (Mary) Otto of Madison Lake, Virginia Otto of Marblehead, MA, Richard (Vicki) Otto of La Crescent, and Rebecca (Michael) Milless of Elk River, 12 grandchildren, Zachary (Susan) Otto, Charles Nicholas (Amy) Otto, Seana (Wade) McLaughlin, Daniel Downing, Caroline Downing, Casey Otto, Lindsey (Nick) Morgel, Carly Otto, Brett Baker, Katherine Baker, Montana Milless, Lexi Milless; 8 great grandchildren, Lydia Otto, Helena Otto, Juliet Otto, Braeden Otto, Emma Otto, Charles J. Otto, Gitana Rave, Teagan McLaughlin and sister Ann Meyer, Red Wing, MN and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles H. Otto, brother John Dean Roberts, son Paul, and two grandchildren Sarah Otto and Brian Baker. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, First Presbyterian Church, Minneopa Cemetery, or the donor's choice.