Ruth E. Kirkham, 89, of Rochester passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018 at Samaritan Bethany.

Ruth Ethel was born on June 17, 1929 in Rochester, Minnesota to Frank and Matilda (True) Berndt. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1945.

On August 17, 1946, Ruth married Orville Kirkham at First Methodist Church in Rochester. Mr. Kirkham died on March 24, 2014. Ruth and Orville were former co-owners of Kirkham Waste Removal from 33 years. She was a lifelong resident of Rochester, a member of Christ United Methodist, and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Ruth enjoyed cake decorating, cooking and baking, gardening, flowers, birds, and her three cats.

She is survived by her three children, James Kirkham of Hudson, CO, Patti (Lowell) Meyer of Byron, MN, Paul of Rochester; four grandchildren, Charlie, Matthew (Shari), Kylian (Christina) and Lucas (Lauren) Kirkham; nine great-grandchildren, Haley, Cady, Abby, Collin, Ryan, Calvin, Oakley, Bentley, and Huxley. Ruth is also survived by her sisters, Mary Lou of Rochester, and Angeline of Lake City. She is preceded in death by her husband, Orville; brother, Frank; sister, Belva; son, Leon; and infant daughter, Peggy Ann.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester with Pastor Nancy Wheeler Handlon officiating. Visitation will be held on from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 28th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Memorials are preferred to Christ United Methodist Church or Season's Hospice.