Ruth I. Orner, 87, of Superior, died Sunday, July 10, 2011 at Essentia Health-St. Mary's, Duluth.

She was born December 31, 1923 in Ellenville, NY, daughter of Raymond and Ethel (Baxter) DeVoe.

Ruth received a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University. After 20 years of teaching home economics in Solon Springs, WI, she went back to college (University of Wisconsin-Superior) to earn an art minor and then taught art and home economics several more years in Solon Springs. Ruth also attended University of Wisconsin-Stout for craft classes.

Some of her memberships included the Douglas County Homemakers Club, Quilters Club of Lake Nebagamon and the Arrowhead Poets Club. Ruth was also a 4-H leader.

She had written poems that were published and crafted quilts and pillows that received both state and national recognition.

Preceding her in death were her parents; first husband, John "Jack" Herstad; second husband, Raymond Orner; son, Douglas Herstad; and brother, Charles DeVoe.

Survivors include her sons, Leslie (Julie) Herstad, Altoona, WI, Bruce (Mary) Herstad, Superior, and Eric (Laurie) Orner, Sahuarita, AZ; daughter-in-law, Donna Herstad, Superior; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Sandy) DeVoe, Vero Beach, FL; and sisters, Evelyn LeVan, Stuart, FL, and Mary (Henry) VanHouten, Monticello, NY.

The visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service Friday, July 15, 2011 at Bayside Baptist Church, 3915 N. 16th Street, Superior, with Pastor Mark Pavola officiating.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior, with a luncheon to be served at Darrow Road Wesleyan Church, 4020 S. Darrow Road, Superior, following the committal service.

Pallbearers will be Ben Herstad, Luke Schmitz, Tom Meier, David Herstad, Lance Hughes, Nathan Carlsgaard and Bill Peterson.

Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements.