Ruth Sharkey

Ruth Helen Kay was born to Henry and Margaret (Meyer) Kay on July 9, 1933, at the Graceville, Minnesota, Hospital. She was welcomed home by her three big sisters: Kathryn, Beatrice, and Margaret. Her baptism was held at the family home and was conducted by her grandfather, Lutheran Pastor, Herman Meyer. Ruth continued her religious education at St. John’s Lutheran Church where she was confirmed in Dumont, Minnesota. Ruth then attended country school at District 59, which she enjoyed, but the mile-and-a-half walk each way wasn’t a lot of fun (especially in the cold of winter!) Ruth enjoyed participating in 4-H, especially trips to the Minnesota State Fair where she entered into the Fashion Shows reflecting her sewing talent!

When it was time to attend high school, Ruth attended WCSA – Morris for 3 years where she met the love of her life, Harold Sharkey. For her Senior year, Ruth attended Wheaton High School and graduated with the class of 1951. Following graduation, she was employed at Traverse County Electric Company in Wheaton until her marriage to S.F.C. Harold Sharkey in 1952.

Harold was stationed at Camp Rucker, Alabama, during the Korean War. They lived in Geneva, Alabama, until Harold’s discharge from the Army. The couple then moved to Clarkfield, Minnesota, where two sons were born: Paul and Glenn. In 1954, they purchased a farm south of Hanley Falls where daughter, Robyn, was added to the family. They attended Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls where Ruth enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Release Time School. She was a member of the Education Board and a member of WELCA serving in most offices throughout the years. Ruth especially enjoyed creating programs for various occasions and participating in the Banner Committee and Quilting. She was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary and as a 4-H Leader, where she enjoyed watching the members grow in their abilities. Ruth was active in the Homemaker’s Club, Pinochle Card Club, and Red Hats Society.

Unfortunately, on Ruth’s 60th birthday, she and Harold were involved in a car accident which left her with leg and knee problems for the rest of her life. She continued to be as involved and active as possible despite the injuries. Her main enjoyment was entertaining the entire family for various holidays, especially Christmas Eve. Christmas festivities included Christmas Carols, the Christmas Story, and, of course, the visit from Santa! As the weather in Arizona was better for Harold’s heart and Ruth’s asthma, they spent many winters in Arizona but always made it back home to host the family Christmas. Ruth cherished time spent with her 10 precious grandchildren – and as the years passed, 21 great-grandchildren were added.

Harold and Ruth decided it was time to remain in Minnesota year-round and in 2007, they purchased a condo in Marshall, where someone else could plow the snow and mow the lawn. Harold passed away on September 26, 2010, and Ruth continued living in the condo. She found solace in the monthly Homeowner’s Coffee Club and special gatherings with many wonderful neighbors.

Ruth Sharkey died peacefully on April 24, 2026, in Windom, Minnesota. She reached the age of 92 years, 9 months, and 15 days. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her children, Glenn (and Annette) Sharkey of Hanley Falls, Robyn Galer (and Bruce Gentry) of Windom; daughter-in-law, Nancy Sharkey of Cottonwoood; 10 grandchildren, Dustan (Tyann) Galer, Erin (Sugam) Shrestha, Tammy Erwin (Jerry Karlheim), Todd (Rebecca) Sharkey, Kevin Sharkey, Ashley Galer (Colton Willfong), Anita Sharkey, Jim (Myranda) Sharkey, Clay (Britta) Sharkey, Jacob (Kayla) Sharkey; 19 great-grandchildren, Zachery Galer, Mason Erwin, Saije Galer, Rylan Wiegmann, Arianna Sharkey, Jayan Shrestha, Amelia Sharkey, Harlow Wiegmann, Elena Sharkey, Samuel Sharkey, Cade Sharkey, Sawyer Sharkey, Remi Sharkey, Aspyn Sharkey, Hudsyn Sharkey, Brynn Sharkey, Leo Sharkey, Hunter Willfong, and Rafe Sharkey ; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Margaret Kay; husband, Harold Sharkey; son, Paul Sharkey; great-grandsons, Luke Sharkey and Cody Galer; sisters, Kathryn Arey, Beatrice Fullerton, Margaret Brand; brothers-in-law, David Fullerton, Hugh Arey, Milton Brand; and nephew, Kimm Brand.

Arrangements by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, MN 507-532-2933 www.hamiltonfh.com