Cottage Grove Lion Tracker

Ruth Ann Porisch, age 80, passed away peacefully November 15, 2020.

Ruth was born in Bimidji, MN as the oldest child of John and Ann Porisch. The family moved to Gold Beach, OR and Ruth graduated high school from Cottage Grove.

She received a scholarship to attend Valparaiso University, and earned a Bachelor?s degree in social work.

After college, Ruth became a social worker in Chicago, IL, where she lived in Cabrini-Green public housing and fought for civil rights?including marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

She moved back to Minnesota to earn her Masters degree at the University of Minnesota. In 1973, she took a job at Bethany College and moved to Lindsborg, KS. While developing the school?s social work program, she met her husband, Art, at the local car dealership.

Ruth became stepmother to Art?s son, John. The two also adopted their second child, Richard, in 1977.

In 1984, Ruth joined Prairie View in McPherson as a licensed clinical social worker. She specialized in adoptions and play therapy. After 28 years of service, Ruth retired in 2012.

Ruth was an active member of Lutheran and Methodist churches her entire life. She helped countless individuals and families heal emotional wounds, achieve greater self-esteem, and improve mental health. She loved cooking, sewing, jigsaw puzzles and rooting for the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team.

Ruth is survived by her husband Art; brothers Fred and Ed; stepson John and his wife LeAnn; plus three grandchildren.