Frances V. Ruks

Frances Viola Ruks, 79, lifelong resident of Superior, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024, in her home with her loving husband by her side. She was born in Superior on September 30, 1944, the daughter of Frank and Viola (Punmala) Coaty.

She graduated from the former East High School, in Superior, the class of 1962.

Frances married the love of her life, James Ruks, on Friday the 13th in September 1980. She worked at the East End Bakery for many years before her and Jim purchased the Somewhere Else Tavern in 1978. They owned and operated the tavern for 32 years and spent forty-four wonderful years together.

Frances was a strong willed and generous woman who was always willing to help anyone in need. She enjoyed traveling and the outdoors, especially camping or tending to her garden. She loved her animals, was a great pool player, and also enjoyed painting.  Above all, she loved spending time with her family, friends, and grandchildren, and always making sure there was no swearing and instead said “Oh Sugar” when needed.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jim; her daughters from her first marriage Kimberly (Rob) O’Brien and Tammy Neibauer; children from second marriage Kevin Ruks and Victoria (Chad) Lawrence; grandchildren Karleen, Mitchell, Coaty, Hayden, Ryan, Gunnar, Abigail, and Daniel; great-grandchildren Dayten, Chaice, Myla, Violet, Henzo, Karsen, and Oliver; brother-in-law John Ruks; niece Cathy (Doug) Welch and her daughter Katie Welch; and special friend Kathy Rawn.

She is preceded in death by her granddaughter Janneen; sister-in-law Evelyn Ruks; special friends Ole Markon and Sylvia Bejar; and her parents.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you and appreciation to the staff at Essentia Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided Frances.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior. A Celebration of Frances’s Life will follow from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Log Cabin Tavern, 2821 County Rd. E in South Range.

To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.