Ruth (Fandrich) Mettler

 Ruth Mettler, 94, of Hazen, ND passed away October 26, 2022, at Sakakawea Medical Center, Hazen. Services will be held at 10:00 AM CDT on Monday, October 31, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church, Hazen with Pastor Mark Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery.

            Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM CDT on Sunday, October 30 at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah.

            Ruth was born March 26, 1928, to Albert and Othelia (Machau) Fandrich of rural Hazen.  She was the oldest of 10 children.  She enjoyed learning and attended country school through eighth grade.  Ruth married Helmuth Mettler on September 26, 1949.  They spent some time in Montana and then returned to make their home in Hazen. The couple had eight children.

Ruth worked various jobs around Hazen.  For years she was a cook and waitress at local cafes and did cleaning at Peace Lutheran Church, Hazen Law office, and Hazen City Hall.  Ruth lived in her own house until she was 90, and spent her remaining years in the Knife River Care Center in Beulah.

Ruth loved being a grandma, and spent as much time as she could with her grandkids. She enjoyed teaching them the many crafts she had learned herself.  In addition to being a fine seamstress, she also did rug weaving, crocheting and knitting.  She was active in quilt guild and made many quilts for hospice.  Family members treasure the many hand-made items given them.

Ruth is survived by her children, Robert (Kathy) Mettler; Susan Sailer; Joseph (Cherie) Mettler, all of Hazen, ND; and Edward (Marie) Mettler of Bella Vista, AR;  grandchildren, Mindy (Jeff) Iverson and their children, Jack and Julia; Miles (April) Mettler and their children, Henry, Blake and Boone; Brandon (Leanne) Sailer and their children, Elizabeth, Emmalynn, Jaydon and Braydon; Jacob (Shelby) Sailer; Jessie Frier and her son, Josh; Kristen Mettler; Michael (Mikel) Mettler and their children, Collin and Sophie; and Matthew (Nicole) Mettler and their children, Karter, Kason and Kaybree.  She is also survived by her sister, Esther Mittelsteadt; brothers, Theodore, Douglas and James Fandrich and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Helmuth; daughters, Grace, Gladys, Frances, and Phyllis; son-in-law, Gary Sailer; her parents; three sisters, Maxine Heier, June Sullivan and Luella Wolf; and two brothers, Sam and Roy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice, SMC or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth (Fandrich) Mettler, please visit our floral store.