Ruth "Rie" Pommerening

Ruth Marie “Rie” Pommerening, age 93, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 13, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Waterloo, Iowa on March 8, 1928, to Charles Lawrence and Ruth Meehan. They later moved to White Bear Lake. She married the love of her life, Hank Pommerening on June 3, 1950. They built their home in Cottage Grove off a gravel road in the country, which later developed into a bustling area as Orrin Thompson and others began to develop around them. Hank, loving the country life, chose to purchase property further south and restored a home on acreage that allowed them to garden, pursue various hobbies and enjoy life in the country again.

Rie stayed at home initially with her three children and after they were all in school, she began working as a Librarian at Crestview Elementary School. Retiring only temporarily, she then went on to work for the Masonic Lodge. She was involved in a variety of organizations and was always grateful for the many experiences and relationships she established within those.

She had many friends throughout her entire life and cherished time spent with them. She never forgot how fortunate she was to know and be a friend to so many wonderful people.

Mom loved to cook, bake, and entertain. She had many talents and an absolute passion for creating things. She was an excellent seamstress, having taught classes, sewing, and designing prom dresses and wedding gowns for her daughters. Never having had an art class she was proficient at painting and pursuing a wide variety of craft projects. When Spring arrived however, she was busy planting and tending to her gardens.

Her favorite moments were those spent with family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There was always something to do inside or outside at “the farm,” and there was always the family dog(s). A favorite memory was the Annual Halloween Party hosted by her and Hank each Fall. Her creativity sparked many fun games, activities, and delicious food! Every experience with Grandma was extra special, as were those hugs and conversations. She always had a twinkle in her eye and never forgot to say “I Love You!”

She is survived by her family:

Daughter, Lynne Hartert; grandsons: Joel and Jeremy Hartert

Daughter, Diane Scheid; granddaughters: Carrie (Mark) Kruse, Jamie (Chris) Hartzell, Katie (Conrado) Olivera, Lindsey (Adam) Potter

Son, Henry (Sue); grandsons: Hank (Cathy), Chris, Tony (Heather), Adam (Amanda)

Brother, Lawrence “Tony” (Marlene) Meehan

Sisters-in-law, Leida and Lorrie Pommerening, and many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hank; parents, Charles Lawrence and Ruth Meehan; in-laws, Henry and Martha Pommerening; brothers-in-law, Lowell, Eugene, Robert, and Arnold.

Our family would like to graciously thank grandson Hank (Cathy) for their unwavering dedication and care given to our mother. We are grateful for all they did to enable her to live comfortably at her home these past few years during this difficult and unprecedented health crisis. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

Celebration of Life 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Friday, February 25, 2022 at Newport United Methodist Church, 1596 11th Ave., Newport, MN, 55055. Interment will be at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, MN.

Memorials may be directed to the Washington County Historical Society or Newport United Methodist Church. We encourage you to pass along an act of kindness in her memory. Thank you.