Ruth Hellickson

Ruth Ann Hellickson, age 74, of Willmar, died Thursday morning, November 13, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Doncaster Cemetery in Granite Falls. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. www.petersonbrothers.com
Ruth Ann Hellickson was born on August 14, 1940, in Montevideo, Minnesota, the daughter of Kenneth and Lucille (Hoffman) Johnson. She grew up in the Granite Falls community and graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1958. Ruth Ann attended Concordia College in Moorhead and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in elementary education in 1962. On June 15, 1963, Ruth Ann was united in marriage to Norman A. Hellickson. They lived in Morton and Ruth Ann taught school in Olivia. They later moved to Sterling, Colorado and in 1967, moved to Willmar. Both Ruth Ann and Norman were employed as teachers with the Willmar Public Schools. She taught elementary school for a few years and then became a homemaker and substitute school teacher. Ruth Ann was an active member of Vinje Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Minnesota Education Association and the National Education Association.
Ruth Ann loved horses. She was an accomplished horse rider and trainer. She and Norman enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. Ruth Ann cherished being with her family and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her strong determination and optimistic attitude.
She is survived by her husband, Norman of Willmar; one son, Bradly (and Rachel) Hellickson of Corona, CA.; two grandchildren, Jennifer (and Kristian) Gutierrez of Willmar, Bryn Hellickson of Corona, CA. and one step-granddaughter, Caroline Thuene of Corona, CA.; and two great grandchildren, Ronen and Bryce Gutierrez. Also surviving are two aunts, Donna Anderson of Amery, WI., and Dorothy Hoffman of Bloomington; two nieces, Janean Ward (and friend, Joe) and Jody (and Tim) Hempel, both of Granite Falls and one nephew, Scott (and Duygu) Johnson of Burnsville, besides other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth Jr. and Janette Johnson.

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