Esther Ruerup, a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Oct. 10, 2002, in Long Beach, Calif., after an extended illness.

She was born to Botolf and Mina Bridley on July 12, 1916, in Glenville, Minn., and attended schools locally in Glenville and Albert Lea.

Esther married Earl F. Ruerup on Nov. 27, 1917, in Northwood, Iowa, and lived in Albert Lea. Later, they moved to Minneapolis where Earl worked for Grayco. They then relocated to Albert Lea where Earl began working for Wilson.

Esther was a hardworking individual who spent many years working at the Elks Club in Albert Lea. As often as possible, Esther and Earl would travel to Southern California where they would spend much of the wintertime at their

daughter/son-in-law’s and son’s homes in Seal Beach and Long Beach.

In the fall of 1997, their daughter and son-in-law moved them to Southern California to be near to them and other family members, Esther and Earl cherished this time of their lives, enjoying the love and company of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoying travels in and around the southern California area.

Esther entered a nursing home in Long Beach due to health reasons.

Esther is survived by three children: Sharon Larson of Seal Beach, Calif., Frank Ruerup of Chicago, Ill., and Bryan Ruerup of Long Beach, Calif.; six grandchildren ; and eight great-grandchildren.She was the 13th of 14 children and is survived by one sister; Beatrice Stadheim of Albert Lea, and nieces and nephews in that area.

Esther was 86 years old.