Ruby Melgard

Ruby M. Melgard, age 96 of Perham, Minnesota, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 12, 2025, at the Hadley House in Perham.

Ruby Margaret Melgard was born April 29, 1928, in Grace City, North Dakota, the daughter of Reuben and Lily (Hart) Topp. She was raised on a family farm near Grace City and was educated in rural county schools. She graduated from New Rockford High School and attended and graduated from the New York Hair Dressing Academy in Fargo, North Dakota.

She married Fredrick A. Melgard on September 7, 1947, at Grace City, North Dakota. They moved to Jamestown, North Dakota, where they lived while Fred finished college, graduating from Jamestown College. They later moved briefly to Tower City before moving to Hazen, North Dakota, where they lived for seven years. There, she worked as a hairdresser and cared for her young family. In 1959, they moved to Perham, Minnesota, where they lived until 1980, when they moved to Brainerd, Minnesota. There, they owned and operated the Pic-More strawberry farm for many years. Following Fred's death, Ruby moved back to Perham, Minnesota, in 2013 where she made her home.

Survivors include four daughters and two sons: Renee (James) Pekarek of Groveland, Florida, Steve (Kay) Melgard of Perham, Minnesota, Julie (Dennis) Hartzell of Clermont, Florida, Sheri (Scott) Dahlstrom of Scottsdale, Arizona, Susan Cook of Gurnee, Illinois, and Craig (Wanda) Melgard of Freeport, Minnesota. She also has 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, who died on March 18, 2005; her parents; three sisters; and one brother.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Grace City Cemetery, in Grace City, North Dakota at a later date. 

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com