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Ruth Joan Lindrus, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, at Portage Pointe, Franklin House in Hancock, Michigan. Born on October 12, 1933, Ruth was the daughter of Hjalmer and Lempi (Jaakkola) Luokka and grew up in Atlantic Mine, Michigan. She was a proud graduate of Jeffers High School. She carried a warmth, resilience, and friendliness with her throughout life that reflected her Copper Country roots.
Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Leslie Lindrus, whom she married on July 13, 1963. Together they shared many years of marriage, companionship, and travel. She was preceded in death by her husband Leslie; her brothers, Marvin Luokka and Melvin Luokka; and other loved ones who went before her.
Ruth was a kind-hearted woman who found great joy and comfort in meeting new people. She had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome, quickly turning strangers into friends and leaving a lasting and positive impression wherever she went.
She often spoke fondly of her years working as a teller at Superior National Bank in Hancock during the 1950s to early 1970s. After that chapter of her life, Ruth and Les relocated for a short time to Waukegan, Illinois then onto Arlington, Virginia, and then settled back in Illinois. Ruth lived in Libertyville, Illinois, from the mid-1970s until November 2020, when she returned to the Copper Country and became a resident of The Bluffs in Houghton. During her years in Illinois, she worked as a secretary at Abbott Labs, a position she truly enjoyed until her retirement.
Ruth’s deep faith in God was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a devoted member of The First Apostolic Lutheran Church, belonging to the Zion, Illinois congregation and frequently attending services while visiting in the Copper Country. Her faith brought her strength, comfort, and peace, and it was reflected in the kindness, humility, and love she extended to others.
Ruth found happiness in traveling with her husband, doing crossword puzzles, and, most of all, talking with family and friends. Conversations with loved ones were among her greatest joys, and her caring nature and friendly positive spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her sister, Jean Luokka; her brother, David Luokka; her sisters-in-law, Sara Luokka and Florence Luokka; and numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
Ruth’s life was a beautiful example of kindness, loyalty, faith, and the simple but profound gift of making others feel valued.
A funeral service for Ruth will be held 11:00 am Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton, with Pastor Mark Halonen to officiate. Burial will be in the Nisula Cemetery.
Friends may call on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 am until time of services at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to The First Apostolic Church, 47617 Gundlach Rd., Houghton, MI 49931, The First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Zion, IL at 39372 N. Carol Lane, Zion, IL 60099, or Portage Pointe for the resident activities (Activities Fund on memo line) at 520 Campus Dr., Hancock, MI 49930.
To view Ruth’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisiting the family with the arrangements.
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