Ruth Shirley (Emmons) Marcus, of Albert Lea, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2008, after a short illness.

Born in Emmons on Dec. 29, 1933, her 74 years were filled with joy, music and the love of her many friends and family. After graduating from Emmons High School, she attended Naeve Nursing School in Albert Lea before marrying Donovan Marcus in November of 1953 and moving to Ellendale. In Ellendale, Ruth was active at First Lutheran church as an organist and was choir director for several years. She also lived in New Richland for a time, and had made her home at St. John&8217;s Lutheran Home for the past four years. Ruth spent many of her quiet hours reading the word of God and enjoyed singing, playing the piano, spending time with her family and chocolate. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross and Project Charlie, but her greatest joy came from being a devoted mother to her seven children, who will remember her for her love, kindness and unfailing patience.

Ruth is survived by her children: Becky Nordland of Albert Lea, husband Thayne, and their children: Amber (fianc/ Daryl), Kyle (Amy), and Brody; Michael Marcus, of Ellendale, wife Barbara, their two children Jessica (Thad) Tuttle and Jamie (Mark) Kotsmith; Mary Edon, of Geneva, husband Eric, their children: Megan and Macey Stephoni, Zachary, Nicole, and step-grandchildren Emily and Sophie; Suzanne Cory, of Blooming Prairie, husband Richard &8220;Chip,&8221; and their son Richard &8220;Krey;&8221; Paul Marcus, of Little Falls, wife Tracy, and their children Samuel and Elizabeth &8220;Libby;&8221; Ruth Anne Hagen, of Geneva, husband Keith, their children, Lindsey and Alyssa; Matthew Marcus, of Fridley, and his wife Sarah. She is also survived a sister, Myrtle &8220;Beano&8221; Dahl, of Albert Lea, and her husband Alton; aunt Kerjil Yocum, of Emmons, and her husband Steve; and four great-grandchildren: Jacob, William, Mason, and Kyra. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by Donovan, her husband of 34 years, her parents: Harry and Cora Emmons, and four siblings: Germaine, Harriet, Nylene, and Richard.

Funeral services for Ruth will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or St. John&8217;s Lutheran Home of Albert Lea.