Ruth Olean Thomas, 80, of Owatonna, died Friday, August 24, 2012 at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born September 15, 1931 in Steele Co., the daughter of Clarence and Olena (Moe) Hillestad. She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1949. Ruth and Lester Thomas married on June 2, 1950. She worked as a food server for over 17 years throughout the Owatonna school district. Ruth was active in the school district, particularly McKinley Elementary''s P.T.A. and going to her children''s sporting events and activities. She attended Our Savior''s Lutheran church and was active in the alter guild and taught Sunday school. Sunday was a day to visit family, which lead to traveling to Cannon Falls and other places. Ruth liked to dance, fish at the lake, embroider, and read. She is survived by her husband Lester Thomas of Owatonna; sons, Curt (and Kathy) Thomas of Minnetonka, Greg (and Darlene) Thomas of Blooming Prairie; daughter, Randi (and Steve) Dallmann of Arlington, TX; grandchildren, Shelby, Shauna, Marshall Thomas, Molly, Maggie Dallmann, Lauren (Matt) Ellison; sister in law, Jean Hillestad of Owatonna. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Herald, Ole (and Bertha) Hillestad. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, August 27, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. and at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with The Reverend Karl Korbel and John Weisenburger officiating. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior''s Lutheran Church. Visitation: 08/27/2012 16:00 08/27/2012 19:00 Service: and one hour before the church service 08/28/2012 10:00