Ruth Ellen (Jensen) Laffey 1930-2022

LAFFEY, JENSEN, HANSEN

Posted By: Barry R Huntsinger (email)
Date: 5/19/2022 at 06:48:25

Ruth Ellen Laffey passed away on April 27, 2022 at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN at the age of 91.

Ruth was born on May 22, 1930, in Ringsted IA, to Peter and Anna (Hansen) Jensen. She attended Ringsted High School. On November 23, 1948, she was united in marriage to Warren John Laffey. To this union, they were blessed with two daughters and four sons. Ruth and Warren were members of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong.

Ruth lived most of her life in the Armstrong-Ringsted,Iowa area. she was employed for 18 years with Valley Vue Nursing Care Center. During that time, she attended college classes to become a dietician and became in charge of the center’s kitchen for several years. Prior to working at Valley Vue Care Center, she worked at the Dairy Bar in Armstrong.

Ruth’s greatest joy was spending as much time as possible with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She took turns spending time with each of her children and their families and was very close to them all. No matter where she was, she could usually be found in the kitchen, as she loved to cook and bake. Her first words to visitors always were, “Are you hungry?”

Aside from cooking and baking, she also enjoyed quilting at the church, and playing Bingo. She was happy to discover that the Lakeview Methodist Care Center, her final home, offered bingo.

Four sons and one daughter are left to cherish her memory: Michael and (Trudi) Laffey of Morongo Valley CA; Stephen Laffey (Becky Rogers) of Red Wing, MN; Kim Laffey of Armstrong; Kurt Laffey (Stephenie Swenson) of Johnston IA; and Kathryn (Danny)Thornburg of Fairmont MN.

She has One Brother-in-law, Robert Laffey of Sacramento, CA: and One sister-in-law, Donna Jensen of Iowa City IA.

15 grandchildren are: Toni (Greg) Purdy of Fairhope, AL; Tammy (Darrin) Rossow of Lakefield, MN; Debra Jons of Lakefield; Scott and (Allie) Laffey of Waukee IA; Hope Laffey (Brad Griffis) Of Estero, FL.; Heather (Tim) McNertney of Algona IA; Vicky (Jim) Jensen of Estherville, IA; Joshua Thornburg (Tara Petersen) of Zumbrota, MN; Jonathon (Marie)Thornburg of Plato, MN; Danyelle (Thornburg) Hansen of Buffalo, MN; Zachary (Cicci) Laffey of Burnsville MN; Jacob (Mariah)Laffey of Prior Lake MN; Brianna Laffey of Denver, CO; Blake (Samantha) Laffey of West Des Moines, IA; Blair Laffey of Johnston, IA.

Ruth has been blessed with 20 great- Grandchildren, one great- great-grand child and several step grandchildren: nieces, and nephews.

Ruth is proceeded in death by Her husband, Warren Laffey (1988) and by first-born daughter Nikki Feddersen; her parents; four brothers: Norman Jensen; Duane Jensen; Otto Jensen; Franklyn Jensen; five brothers-in-law: Duane Laffey, Jim Laffey, Donald Laffey, Ray Laffey, Jerry Laffey; six sisters-in-law: Dorothy Laffey, Deloris Laffey, Dixie Laffey, Marilyn Laffey, Lavonne Jensen, and Lula Jensen.

A Celebration of Life for Ruth Laffey will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Armstrong Grove Cemetery at Armstrong.

(Source: Henry-Olson Funeral Home, Estherville, Iowa.)