Ruth Ellen Lindstrom

Our beloved mother, Ruth Ellen Hill Lindstrom, age 101, breathed her last earthly breath here on March 07, 2026 and arrived safely home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born April 26,1924 in Akron, Ohio. In 1927, her parents, Charles and Ruth (Larson) Hill along with younger sister, Doris moved up to Merrill, Wisconsin to help on the Ollie and Anna Larson potato farm located on Swede Rd. Ruth was the oldest of eight children. Her childhood centered around the daily work of farm life and attending Emmanuel Covenant Church on Genesee St. and a one room elementary classroom and later high school in Merrill. She graduated from Merrill Senior High in 1942. After Wilbert John “Wibs” Lindstrom returned home from WWII they married on March 09, 1946 and made their home at 400 Superior St. located just above Pepsi Beach. Their property was like a paradise with trees and flowers opened to family and friends to enjoy. They lovingly raised their five children there along with grandpa John Lindstrom and Rev. Arthur Gustafson who were part of the household. Besides the challenging work of caring for family and the house and property their life was committed to the work of the church, Emmanuel Covenant Church on Genesee St. After the Covenant church closed Ruth used her many talents as part of Our Saviours Lutheran Church on Logan St. in Merrill.

During the winter months they enjoyed the grandparents' addition on the Eberhardt house north of Tucson, AZ. Ruth and Wibs were deeply involved with the Grace Community Covenant Church in Tucson, AZ. They also volunteered with Wycliffe Associates working alongside retired folks. Their travels took them to Mexico City and Oaxaca, Mexico, the Holy Land, Alaska, and the ancestral area of Sweden and Aland Island, Finland. Ruth remained faithful to her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Reading her Bible daily as well as devotionals while spending time in prayer for her family and others. She cared for others by listening and being there in her quiet ways. Attending several Bible Studies and Book Clubs kept her busy reading and learning. She was widely known for her Swedish Rye bread and made hundreds of loaves to share with family and friends. Many received specialized cards from Ruth on many different occasions. She enjoyed sewing – making personalized quilts and memory bears for family. She did painting. One painting of praying hands given to her daughter, Julie and another one of the Covenant church which her grandson, John now has. She and Wibs built their life around the church and reached out to the community as well. You could see her at T.B. Scott Library, Merrill Enrichment Center, Pinecrest Nursing Home, Theater and Musical events and various churches around the Merrill/Wausau area.

Preceded in death by her parents Charles and Ruth (Larson) Hill, husband, Wilbert Lindstrom, 2 brothers and 3 sisters and a son, Daniel Lindstrom.

Survived by sister, Joyce Messerschmidt of Sturtevant WI and a brother, David Hill of Phoenix, AZ and children David Lindstrom of Merrill Wisconsin; Julia Ruth (Roy) Eberhardt of Tucson, Arizona; James (Vivette) Lindstrom of Salem, Missouri; Paul Lindstrom of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ruth cherished her family and leaves behind her four children, eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and ten great-great grandchildren as well as many extended family members and friends who will remember her warm spirit, generosity, and unwavering faith.

David’s family: John (Pam) daughters, Tabitha and Emily; Nicole (Frank) Lindstrom Rangel and daughters, Sarah (Andrea) Rangel, Violet; Samantha Rangel, Bear; Savannah (Angel) Barrera, Adeline, Isabella, Arianna, Camilla, Elijah; Catherine Rose Brandies; sons, Eli Rangel; George Lindstrom, Madison; Chosen daughters Joline; Rae-Anne; Sabrina Landry, and son, Nick Brandies; Dalton Masker

Julia’s family: Joy Elizabeth (Luke), Tian and Lucia; Ann Katherine of Tucson, AZ; Hope/Espi Evangeline of Tucson, AZ.

James’s family: Michael (Amber), Andrew (Sarah) son, Cristian and Andrew’s sons Trevin, and Tristan (Aubrey) daughters, Aero, Aria.

Paul’s family: son, Matthew Smith.

Visitation for Ruth will take place at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill, on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. Please share any stories or remembrances of Ruth Ellen with us.

For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be live streamed and available for viewing at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, on the funeral home website, under her obituary. It will then be posted as a recording for future viewing.

A special thanks to Ruth Ellen’s son, David Lindstrom who spent his last years here as the primary caregiver. We also want to thank the Aspirus Hospital of Merrill and the hospice unit for their loving support.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Our Saviour’s Lutheran church, T.B. Scott Library or the charity of your choice.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.