Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Hartle, 89, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Owatonna Hospital after a short illness. She was born March 26, 1937 in Owatonna, the daughter of Arthur and Bernice (Pickett) Hartle. She grew up on School Street as the middle of three sisters very close in age, attending Owatonna public schools, riding her bike, playing kittenball with the neighbor kids, and following high school sports. As a young child, she developed a lifelong chronic health issue.

She counted among her happiest memories her days of babysitting her nephew and nieces, and treasured visits and kisses from great-nieces and nephews, as well as great-greats Wesley and Hallie more recently. Other passions were the Vikings and the Twins, and Ruth Ann was quick with information about their players, schedule and statistics. In later years, she made friends among the staff of Benedictine Center, and could trade teasing and “I love you’s” with the best of them. Despite her hardships, Ruth Ann led a mostly contented life, saving her complaints for when her sports teams were performing poorly.

Ruth Ann is survived by her sisters Mary Larson, Sally (John) Onstad; nephew Andy (Julie) Larson and nieces Karen Larson (Steve Jackson), Tina Larson (Christopher Carter), Kara (Erik) Teichroew, Kathy Onstad; great nephews and nieces Joshua Teichroew, Gina Gresham (Sunny Kaw), Annie (Ryan) Lauber, Joy Gresham, Hope Teichroew, Luke Larson, Ethan Teichroew, Gabriel Teichroew, Elizabeth Larson, Emma Culbertson (fiancé Jack Myers), William Larson, Gianna Teichroew, Eva Larson, Lelah Teichroew; and great-greats Josephine, Wesley, Rowan, Asa, Hallie, Jensen, and Christopher. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Bruce Larson, and her great-niece Rebekah Teichroew.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson’s Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Rd, Owatonna, on Saturday, May 2, from 10 to 11AM, with a funeral service starting at 11AM and luncheon following. Ruth Ann’s niece, the Rev. Karen R. Larson will officiate. Burial will be at the Havana Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Benedictine Living Community, Owatonna.