Ruth Marie Thomas, 79, of Owatonna, died Sunday, April 30, 2017 at her home following a courageous cancer journey. She was born November 10, 1937 in LaMoure, North Dakota the daughter of Frank and Ethel (Pedersen) Salzsieder. She graduated from LaMoure High School, Class of 1955. On June 24, 1959, she married Dave Thomas at Trinity Lutheran Church in LaMoure. The couple lived Cheney, Washington while Dave attended college where their two daughters were born. In 1969, the family moved to Owatonna. Ruth began her work career in the Owatonna School District in 1970 and she retired in 2007. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna where she faithfully served. Ruth's life was defined by her faith which steadily grew during her cancer journey which began in 1994. When her grandchildren came along, they became a priority in her life. Her endless energy allowed her to remain a pillar in their lives until her passing. They quickly learned never to say they were bored. Her desire to never stop learning and her love of technology kept her mind sharp throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, Dave of Owatonna; daughters, Joni (Mark) Boe of Owatonna and Kristi (Jeff) Longtin of Clive, IA; grandchildren, Andy (Mattie) Boe, Mitch (Whitney) Longtin, Matt Boe, Cait (Josh) Gipple, Jordan Longtin and Regan Longtin; great grandchildren, Lucy Longtin, Finnegan Longtin, Quinn Longtin and Theo Gipple; siblings, Ken (Leila) Salzsieder, Joan (Eric) Dunkley and John (Susan) Salzsieder and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ethel; sister, Lois Salzsieder; granddaughter, Callie Boe and great granddaughter, Lilly Longtin. A visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. and at church on Friday one hour prior to the service. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna with Reverend Greg Schlicker officiating. A private interment will be at a later date in Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials preferred to Allina Home Care and Hospice, 2350 - 26th Street NW, Owatonna, MN 55060. Visitation: 05/04/2017 15:00 05/04/2017 19:00 Service: and at church on Friday, May 5th one hour prior to the service 05/05/2017 11:00