Ruth Louise Hammerstrom, 86, of Hermantown, passed away on September 21, 2024 at Essentia Health St Mary's Medical Center. She was born on May 19, 1938 in Biwabik to Nestor and Ruth (Clements) Pietila.

Ruth graduated from Central High School in 1957, and then Duluth Business School in 1959. She worked as a bookkeeper and teller at First American National Bank, then North Shore Bank, where she retired after 25 years.

Ruth was a woman who had a bright smile and a twinkle in her eye when she greeted you and was quick to ask, "How are you?" The coffee pot was always on with treats and time to visit. She loved camping, the cabin, and the lake home, where she tended to her vegetable garden and flowers. She enjoyed rides up the shore with her husband and bird hunting on beautiful fall days.

Ruth loved the Lord and this she lived out. She and her husband served together in church with the food shelf and Meals on Wheels. She loved being involved in Women's Bible Study.

She loved her family well, including friends and all who knew her. Her home was always open. As her grandchildren have said, her home had an aroma of hearty meals, and she hosted family gatherings, reveling in having all her children home. She was full of wisdom, strength, compassion, and always ready to lend a helping hand!

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; and in-laws, Frank and Marie Hammerstrom.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Howard Hammerstrom; sons, Mark (Justy) Hammerstrom and Gary Hammerstrom; daughter, Kathy (Brent) Nelson; grandchildren, Westin Hammerstrom, Alexandra (Andrew) Commers, Christina Hammerstrom, Daniel Hammerstrom, Benjamin (Madeline) Nelson, and Ruth Nelson; great-grandchild, Sophia Commers; and sister, Karen Pietila.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the wonderful care provided by the Nurses on floor 15 at Essentia St Mary's Hospital.

Visitation to be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 1st at The Landing Church, 9302 W Skyline Pkwy, with Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment at Calvary Cemetery.