Ruth Ann Sandell

Ruth Ann Sandell, 86, of Polk, died on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Midwest Covenant Homes in Stromsburg. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at High Prairie Community Church in Polk with Pastor Justin Smith officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd from 5-7 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Lindale Cemetery near Hordville. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later time. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Ruth was born on December 15, 1939 to Julius and Alice (Gaibler) Eberhard in Aurora. She attended grade school at Hampton, then Aurora Country School, and in 1958, she graduated high school from Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, SD. After graduation, she went to cosmetology school and worked as a beautician in Aurora. On September 20, 1959 she was united in marriage to Neal Sandell in Hampton. To this union were four children Kevin, Michel, Lynne’ and Cary. Ruth and Neal have lived in the Polk area since their union, the last 51 years at their family farm in rural Hamilton County. Ruth raised her children and helped Neal on the farm and in the fields. Ruth was a member of High Prairie Community Church in Polk as well as a former member of the American Legion Auxiliary. When she wasn’t helping on the farm or working, Ruth enjoyed quilting, crocheting, antiquing, painting and working in her gardens. Ruth used her talents to give thousands of haircuts to family and friends. She was an excellent cook and generous soul, always giving her time to help others and sharing her homemade bread and delicacies with neighbors and friends. Above all, Ruth's greatest love was getting to spend time with her family. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Neal of Polk; her children, Kevin (Melody) Sandell of Polk, Michel (Lee) Peterson of Stromsburg, Lynne’ (Cory) Bergt of Lincoln, and Cary (Becki) Sandell of Malcolm; her sister, Lois Spellman of Kensington, MD; her sisters-in-law, Diane (Roger) Hanke of Palmer and Karla Sandell of Kellogg, IA; her cousin, Darroll Loschen of Elkhorn; her 10 grandchildren, Chloe Sandell, Noah Sandell, Jared (Heidi) Peterson, Connor (Taylor) Peterson, Cayden Bergt, Alayna Bergt, Shanae Bergt, Courtney (fiancé Connor Swim) Sandell, Emily Sandell, Jessica Sandell and great grandchildren, Whit Peterson and Monroe Peterson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Kent Sandell; and cousins, Donna Kay Loschen and Mary Ann (Bob) Gutshall.

Ruth Ann Sandell

December 15, 1939 - August 29, 2026