Ruth A. Lau

Ruth Adair Lau (nee Giese), of Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away suddenly on March 12, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on October 8, 1931, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Louis and Ella (nee Jackson) Giese, Ruth was the youngest of five children and grew up on the family farm in Keystone Township in Polk County, Minnesota. She cherished her childhood on the farm, where her closest companions were her dog, her horse, and her cousins, especially Conrad and Boyd Giese.

Ruth attended a one-room schoolhouse for eight years before enrolling at Grand Forks Central High School for two years and then becoming a boarding student at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, Minnesota, from which she graduated in 1949. She spent one year at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, before moving to Fargo in 1951 to work at Massey Harris Ferguson. It was there that she met her future husband.

On June 5, 1954, Ruth married Lyle Edward “Bud” Lau, Jr., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. The couple first lived in Spokane, Washington, where Ruth continued working for Massey Harris Ferguson. In 1958, they moved to Moorhead and purchased the home on Birch Lane where Ruth would live for the next 68 years, creating a warm and welcoming space for family, friends, and neighbors. Her door was always open for a cup of coffee, conversation, or a game of cards.

Ruth was the very definition of a compassionate friend, known for her loyalty and kindness. She raised six children of her own while providing childcare in her home for more than 30 years, nurturing generations of children in her community. She had a lifelong passion for sewing and crafting, making many outfits for her children and enjoying craft shows with her daughter Mari. Ruth loved to travel and dance, was an avid sports fan who spent countless hours in hockey rinks, and maintained a deep affection for horses and dogs throughout her life. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and friends, who will miss her dearly.

Ruth is survived by her children, Mari (Mike) Jastram, Mitch (Bobby Jo Schultz) Lau, Heidi (Greg Lund) Ness, Luci (Curt) Kovash, Chad (Sara Huey) Lau, and forever son-in-law Steve Ness; her grandchildren, Mitch (Melanie) Lau, Jr., Ashley Lau, Zach (Gina) Jastram, Sarah (Matt) Gleason, Seth (Kari) Jastram, Melissa (Travis) Smith, Joey (Natalie Taylor) Lau, Adam (Stephanie) Kovash, Ella Kovash, Ana Lau, Trey Ness, Paityn Ness, and Zander Ness; her 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, in 1996; her son, Ryan “Rocky” Lau, in 2011; her siblings, Marlys, Donald, Dale, and Myles (Mickey); her parents; and several close friends.