Ruth Gaylord

Born September 6, 1942 in Waseca, MN, Ruth was a lifelong teacher and learner. She lived as a Franciscan sister for 9 years. She received a BA in Music from St. Theresa’s College in Winona and an MA in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota. She taught music and led choirs at multiple high schools, including Hill-Murray, Grace, CDH, and Trinity School at River Ridge, where she founded the music program and taught for 19 years. A 25-year Ovarian Cancer survivor and warrior, she was committed to furthering medical research to fight and end Ovarian Cancer.  She was a 20-year resident of Becketwood Cooperative, where she had many beloved friends and was committed to her community. She sang in many Twin Cities choirs, including The Minnesota Chorale, The Augsburg Masterworks Chorale and The Basilica Choir. She was delighted to share her love of singing wherever possible. She married Bob Gaylord in 1970. They had 5 children together, were divorced in 2002, and remained close friends until her death.  She is survived by her children, Christian (Karen), Simon, Angela (Chad), Andrew (Ruth), and Anne (John); 13 grandchildren, Adrienne and Sophia Gaylord, Devin, Isaiah, Landen, Ava and Aspen Winter, Corey and Isabella Nicholson, Samuel and Eve Naughtin and Henry and Gwenyth Gaylord; 3 sisters, Marie (Paul), Joyce (Dale) and Sheila (George) and brother Steve (Susie); Many nieces and nephews;  Many close friends.  She is preceeded in death by her mother and dad, Dorothy and Robert Powell. A funeral will be held at the Basilica of Mary on Friday, August 30th at 11am, Visitation at 10am.