Ruth Ann Harms

Ruth Ann (Stene) Harms, 88, of Chester, South Dakota, passed away on September 21, 2025. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 27, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Colton. Interment will follow in the Minnehaha Lutheran Cemetery, Colton. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 PM Friday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Chester Athletic Booster Club or First Lutheran Church.

Ruth was born on June 10, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Elmer and Gyneth (Carson) Stene, she was a lifelong pillar of her community.

A proud graduate of Colton High School in 1955, Ruth Ann's high school years were particularly memorable because that's where she met the love of her life, E. Richard "Dick" Harms. Their high school romance blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and together they shared 71 years. After graduation, Ruth Ann worked at Sioux Valley Hospital and for JJ Newberry’s until she and Dick were married on October 10, 1958. This year would have marked their 67th wedding anniversary.

Ruth Ann and Dick built a beautiful life together, raising four children: Timothy, Todd, Terrance (Susan), and Tamra (Mark) Brodahl. Her family was everything to her, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A dedicated and active member of Colton Lutheran Church, Ruth Ann was confirmed there, taught Sunday School, and even served as the Sunday School Superintendent. She was also president of the Ladies' Circle and a longtime volunteer at the church's annual meatball supper. She found great joy in volunteering, including her time as president of the Mothers of Twins Club.

Ruth Ann was a true people-watcher who loved sitting at parks, at the mall, or at sporting events, simply enjoying the world around her. She was also a tireless partner to her husband, Dick. Whether she was cheering with him at high school events or helping him on the farm—caring for animals, helping with field work, or cooking the wild game he brought home—she was always by his side.

Her unwavering support for the Chester High School wrestling and volleyball teams was legendary. She and Dick were staples in the stands, attending countless wrestling and volleyball matches. In 2021, their continuous support and encouragement to students were recognized with the Friends of Education Award.

Over the years, Ruth Ann enjoyed several occupations. She was a Tupperware and Avon consultant and worked at Franklin Elementary School and later at Target until her retirement in 1998. In her leisure time, she loved to read and travel. Her adventures took her to the World's Fair in 1962, Germany three times (where she loved touring the castles), and extensively throughout the United States.

Ruth Ann is survived by her husband; her four children; six grandchildren: Skyler Harms, Kyleen (Jake) Rogers, Alexander (Rebecca) Harms, Kristina Harms, Luke (Haley) Brodahl, and Samuel (Emma) Brodahl; and three great-grandchildren: Tobias, Isabelle, and Eleanor Harms. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Swier, and her brother, Ervin Stene. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Wallace and David Stene, and sister, Betty Flatten.