Ruth Flaherty
May 17, 1935 ~ May 21, 2018
Ruth Mae Flaherty, 83, of Fargo passed away on May 21st, 2018 at a Fargo hospital after a weekend of prayer, smiles and memories with her family.
Ruth was born in Racine, Wisconsin on May 17th, 1935 to Joseph and Florence Mura. Among many interests growing up, she enjoyed playing baseball and also was a starting basketball guard for St. Catherine’s High School in Racine. Like her parents, Ruth had a life-long love of gardening, starting her spring plants in her final days.
After high school, she attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Milwaukee, and began work as a registered nurse. While at a Milwaukee hospital, she met the love of her life, James Harris Flaherty, while he was visiting a patient there. They were married April 11th, 1959 in Milwaukee. James and Ruth were the proud parents of five sons.
Her family became Ruth’s career, always putting her husband's and sons’ needs ahead of her own. She delighted in her grandchildren and greatly enjoyed their visits and news of their activities. Ruth shared her depression-era thriftiness, wisdom, and deep Catholic faith with her sons and grandchildren that will live on in them.
Ruth is survived by her sons James Jr. (Cathleen), Daniel (Jeanne), Dennis (Elizabeth), Michael (Melissa) and 13 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband James, parents, brother David, son Paul (Natasha), and granddaughter Catherine.
Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 24, 2018 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fargo with visitation starting at 6:00 P.M.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 25, 2018 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fargo with visitation starting at 9:00 A.M.
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I was checking my mother’s (Doris Bower) obituary, and came across Ruth’s notice of death. Ruth was my mother’s favorite bridge partner, and I heard about her often. They were such good friends. I had Ruth at my home a couple of times when my mother entertained a bridge group. She was always enthusiastic, positive, and such a nice lady. Later my mother caught up with Ruth when Mom moved into Riverview. Interesting that they died within a week of each other.
I am so sorry for your loss, and will remember Ruth/family in my prayers this weekend as we each celebrate the lives of outstanding women who loved their bridge game. Do you think they might be playing a marathon right now? Oh how my mother loved a bridge marathon !
Loved your Mom Ruth! She always would pray for us when I worked at St. Mary’s and was very active helping Father Hughes! I know she knows so much truth now. I will ask for her intercession. I will have a Mass said for her as I know she would like this the best. I am sorry I did not know about her passing as no one mentioned anything to me. God Bless her beautiful family always!