Ruth Pope

Ruth Anne Pope, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Golden Valley, Minnesota on January 6, 2026. She was surrounded by her family, following complications from the autoimmune condition CREST Syndrome. Her life was shaped by resilience, curiosity, creativity, and a deep devotion to her family and friends.

Ruth was born on July 28, 1942, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Doris (Melin) Winner. She grew up in Sioux Falls, attending local schools including Mark Twain Elementary, and graduated from Washington High School in 1960. Ruth began her college years at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, later transferring to Augustana College in 1962.

In 1963, Ruth married Tom Bergan, moved to Watertown, South Dakota and together they welcomed three children: Robbi, Kristen, and Tommy. After their divorce in 1974, Ruth later found love again and married architect Jim Pope on March 21, 1976. Ruth and Jim built a life filled with laughter, partnership, and shared passions - especially their love of Duplicate Bridge. When Ruth and Jim joined their families, she lovingly welcomed Bill, JAnn, and Dale, completing a blended family with six children-proof that sometimes life really does imitate "The Brady Bunch".

Ruth's work life reflected her warmth, reliability, and natural ability to connect with people. As a young woman, she worked at the Fanny Farmer Candy Shop in Sioux Falls, SD and later at Herberger's Department Store in Watertown, SD. In 1989, she joined the Watertown Public Schools, working for the Science Director. Students affectionately nicknamed her "Mother Nature," a title she treasured. She additionally worked in various positions serving the county from 1997 through 2005.

Throughout her life, Ruth was an avid and accomplished Duplicate Bridge player. She and Jim played several times a week at local clubs, traveled monthly to regional tournaments, and even competed at a national tournament in Las Vegas. Their travels through Europe in the early 1980s always included time for bridge. Both ultimately achieved the rank of Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League - a testament not only to their skill, but to the joy and community they found at the card table. Many of Ruth's closest friendships were formed through bridge, and she cherished those relationships throughout her life.

After retiring, Ruth and Jim spent time in Arizona as "snowbirds", and then moved to Minnetonka, Minnesota in June 2006 to be closer to Ruth's children and grandchildren. In July 2024, Ruth moved to Flourish Senior Living in Golden Valley, where she quickly became a beloved member of the community. She made many new friends, delighted in weekly outings - from concerts and art galleries to shopping trips and even fishing - and poured her creativity into making greeting cards, bookmarks, cardholders, and other crafts to share with fellow residents.

Ruth will be remembered for her bright personality, her creativity, her steadfastness in times of challenge, and her unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, connection, and quiet strength.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Doris Winner, husband Jim Pope, ex-husband Tom Bergan, and brother-in-law Bill Schumacher.

She is survived by her sister Sally Schumacher; children Robbi (Elaine) Bergan, Kristen (Damien) Wolf, Tommy Bergan, Bill (Reiko) Pope, JAnn (Vicki) Pope, Dale (Deb) Pope, Joyce Pope; grandchildren Lauren Wolf, Bergan Wolf, Danielle (Dan) Clanton, Dale (Brooke) Pope, Melanie Pope, Shilo (Liz) Pope, Niles (Jose) Alvarez; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and bridge partners whose lives were brightened by knowing her.

Her family is grateful for the wonderful camaraderie and care she received from the residents and staff at Flourish Senior Living and for the many people who enriched her life in her final years. Ruth will be deeply missed.

Memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 18 at 12 noon with visitation an hour prior at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446.