Ruthanne Weaver

Ruthanne was an amazing woman. She left Lincoln, Nebraska with John Weaver (1941-2006) upon graduating from college and never looked back. They lived all over the country for John’s medical education, having children in Philadelphia (Judson, 1967-2023) and New Orleans (Amanda 1971-). “Ruthie”, as she was known to the Weaver family, was the only child of Ralph and Nadine Read. While she grew up in many places between Arkansas and Nebraska, she always called Colorado home as the family had a summer cabin in Eldora,CO throughout her childhood.

After settling in Brainerd, MN for her husband’s practice in 1972, she went about making her own mark with her passions. With a major in art history, she was a gifted artist (ceramics) and had a passion for arts education. She helped to start and maintain several organizations over the years: The Morning Star Gallery (Nisswa, MN), the Brainerd Area Arts Alliance (BAAA), and in recent years, the Crossing Arts Alliance in Brainerd, MN.

She was also a great friend. From her early years in Brainerd, she was not only a passionate artist and advocate, but also committed to her second loves, food and travel. She and John were part of the “Gourmet Group”, a group of friends who met for over 30 years. They cooked recipes from all over the world, taking a break from family and professional duties to come together over food. She also traveled all over the world with family and friends throughout her life- appreciating art, culture, and food everywhere she went.

When John was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 1996, Ruthanne changed her career to caregiving. For several years, she cared for John, moving him to Minneapolis where a few organizations were offering bourgeoning memory services at the time. Then in 2004, she returned to the Brainerd area with John as he was in the last stages of the disease.

After John’s death in 2006, she refocused on her artistic passions, joining a ceramicist studio at the Crossing Arts Alliance. In 2015, she moved “back” to her home state of Colorado where she lived in Golden (close to her daughter and her beloved mountains) and continued to create pottery at local arts centers until her death.

Ruthanne was a fearless advocate, a courageous adventurer, a creative wizard, and a great friend. She was also a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and mother-in-law. She is still here in the hearts of Amanda (daughter), Carol (daughter-in-law), Jackson, Calvin, & Tessa (grandchildren), and all her many friends. Memorials will be held at future dates to be announced. To honor her, please give to your local arts advocacy group and/or public radio station.