Ruth Ann Eichele

Ruth Ann Eichele entered into her heavenly home on Wednesday, October12, 2016, following a short illness. Ruth’s funeral will be Monday October 17 at 2:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, Driscoll ND. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 15, starting at 5:30 pm at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 6:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Sunday, October 16, at the Eastgate-Steele Memorial Chapel in Steele, ND, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Burial will be held at Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Driscoll immediately following the funeral service. Ruth was born August 27, 1929 to Robert and Annette (Hatfield) Schmidt at Dawson, ND. She grew to adulthood on the family farm located near Lake Isabel. While attending Dawson High School she was a member of not one, but two North Dakota State C basketball championship teams as a Dawson Cardinalette. After graduation in 1947, she married Ted Eichele of Napoleon. They made their home at several farmsteads until the opportunity came to purchase the farm in Excelsior Township, north of Driscoll. Ruth was actively involved in the farming operation. She milked cows, raised chickens, helped farm and ranch, and kept books. She loved seeing the calves sell in the fall whether it be in person or on BEK TV. In 1987 she and Ted moved to Steele. Ruth enjoyed town life. Always an avid reader, the Kidder County Library became a favorite stop on her daily walks. She sewed quilts and loved doing crossword puzzles. She worked several years in the Golden Manor kitchen. In 2012, she decided being on her own was not feasible and moved to the Napoleon Care Center. She considered the workers her adopted family and truly appreciated the care and consideration given her while she was a resident there. Her positive attitude toward life and living touched many a heart. A member of Driscoll Grace Lutheran, Ruth was actively involved in church activities She could be counted on to make wonderful buns and goodies for special events. Ever humble and kind, Ruth’s home was always open to visitors who were guaranteed a hot cup of coffee, baked treat, and a visit. She always had time for family and every person was considered a friend. Ruth’s children are her greatest blessing and legacy. Her “Precious Gems” are Vivian (Dan) Hall of Bowman; Dora (David) Colton, Curtis (Brenda) Eichele all of Driscoll; Ruth (Larry) Graf, Dean (Maureen) Eichele, Duane (Doreen) Eichele all of Bismarck; and Keith (Sheila) Eichele, Mt. Vernon, WA; 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren are the finishing touches to her heavenly crown. She will forever be “Sis” to Marilyn (Wes) Naish of St. Helen’s, Oregon, Cathy Lang of Bismarck, and Ellis (Camille) Schmidt of Dawson and Al Meidinger of Bismarck. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Ted, grandson Robert, parents, 3 sisters and 4 brothers.