Ruth Nelda (Josephson) Phaneuf, age 79, lifelong resident of Mt. Iron died unexpectedly Thursday, November 16, 2017, at Essentia Health Virginia Clinic. She was born December 10, 1937, in Mt. Iron the daughter of Alfred and Ailie (Martinson) Josephson. She was a graduate of Mt. Iron High School. Ruth was united in marriage to Leo Leslie Phaneuf on May 19, 1956, in Mt. Iron.

Ruth was a homemaker who also worked outside the home. She attended the First Covenant Church in Virginia. Ruth volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels for many years. She enjoyed reading, needlework, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her husband: Leo; children: Julie Phaneuf- Hill (Brian) of Mt. Iron, Jerri Lynn Phaneuf Carron (Duane Zamlen) of Eveleth, Jodie M. Phaneuf of Virginia, Joy A. Kolstad (Jon) of Merrifield, Scott R. Phaneuf (Carla) of Mt. Iron, and Mark J. Phaneuf (Katie) of Mt. Iron; brother: Mark Josephson (Kate) of Cannon Falls; 17 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Ailie Josephson and her brother Ross Josephson.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held in Ruth's honor.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.