Ruth G.Arnetviet, age 98, of Northwood, Iowa, formerly of Austin, died Saturday morning, Dec. 27, 2003, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa.

She was born July 17, 1905, in Moscow Township, Freeborn County, the daughter of John and Thea (Stoa) Nordby. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a lifetime member of Moscow Lutheran Church, rural Austin. Ruth attended country school district #120. After the death of her mother in 1925, Ruth remained at home to care for her younger brothers and sisters. On Nov. 14, 1955, she was united in marriage to Albright Arnetveit at Northwood, Iowa. In the following years she enjoyed several trips to Norway, visiting her husband’s family and birthplace. In later years while living in Ketchikan, Alaska, from April to October each year, she was employed by local families as a housekeeper.

Ruth is survived by two brothers: Marvin Brekke of Albert Lea, and Emil Nordby of Austin; two sisters: Bertha Hanson of Albert Lea, and Palma Ulland of LaPorte, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Her parents; husband, Albright Arnetveit, on Dec. 11, 1983; three brothers: Adolph Nordby, Erling Brekke and John Nordby; and a sister, Sylvia Gilbertson; preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Moscow Lutheran Church, rural Austin, with the Rev. LaDonna Ekern officiating. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Worlein Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 29 and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.