Ruth Lillestollen

Vessey Funeral Service - Fort Collins

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Obituary 

Ruth Lillian Lillestolen Ruth Lillian (Olsen) Lillestolen was born in Arendal Norway on March 18, 1923. As a teen and young adult, she experienced the occupation of Norway during WWII with Nazi soldiers practicing military drills in her home's yard. Once, while with a girlfriend on a stone strewn beach, soldiers called for them to come away because the beach was mined with explosives.

In 1945, she married Ole Clarence Lillestolen, who worked in boat construction and as a traveling evangelist. Their first son, Ole Christian, was born in 1946 while they were serving a church in Drangedal. Two years later they met a man from North Dakota who would sponsor them to come to America. They made plans to immigrate in 1948. Arriving in New York with all the money allowed by Norway, $50, they visited with family briefly and then moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Ole began work in carpentry with his sponsor. Soon after, he established his own construction company. 

Shortly after they arrived, a kind, retired pastor who needed personal care invited the family to move in with him. Ruth cared for this gentleman for about ten years. Ruth and Ole had a very open home. Ruth's gift for hospitality meant they often entertained, including frequent overnight guests. She was always prepared for many surprises, unexpected guests Ole would bring home. Ruth loved to set a "koselig" table and serve meals, coffee, cookies and cakes.

Harald Torleif was born to Ruth and Ole in 1949 and Karen Marie was born in 1955. Ruth, Ole, Harald, and Karen moved to New Jersey in 1965. Ole Christian was in college in Grand Forks and married Myrna Halvorson in 1966. Karen married Aksel Hallin in 1980. Ruth, Ole, and Harald continued to live in the Princeton area of New Jersey until Ole's death in 2002. Ruth and Harald moved to East Hartland, Connecticut, in 2003 to be near Ole and Myrna, and lived there until 2014 when they all moved to Fort Collins, Colorado.

Ruth had a childlike faith in Christ and has been actively involved in church her whole life. She lived her life as a testimony of her love and trust in Christ . Her deep concern was that people she encountered would know her Jesus and be saved. 

Moving to Fort Collins, Ruth and Harald shared an apartment in the Winslow Independent living facility for two years. Both moved at the same time to rooms in the New Mercer Commons assisted living in August of 2016. Ruth experienced a slow but steady physical decline during the last three years, culminating in her being moved to Center Rehab for a brief period as her body quietly and comfortably shut down. Ruth died November 12 with daughter Karen, Son and wife Ole and Myrna; grandchildren Erik, Patty, Kirk and Judy at her bedside. She was predeceased by her husband Ole Clarence, sisters Hilder Roness, Molly Salmonson, and brother Karl Olsen. She is survived by Ole ( Myrna) Lillestolen, Harald Lillestolen, and Karen (Aksel) Hallin; Grandchildren Erik (Patty), Kirk ( Judy), Peter ( Lyn), Ingrid Hallin, Bente Hallin, David (Rachelle) Hallin; great-grandchildren Bryce ( Amber) Lillestolen, Kara ( Chris) Hobson; Derek, Chad and Kaleb, McKell, Mabree and Meeghan Lillestolen. Stephanie, Kora, and Meghan Hallin. Great-Great-Grand Children Claire Lillestolen, Kian , Aidan and Amelie Hobson; as well as a sister-in-law and brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15th at 7pm at Word of Life Church, 3207 South Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins, CO. Internment will take place at a later time in East Hartland, CT.

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Ruth Lillestollen Obituary | Altogether