Ruby Marion Friend, 102, of International Falls, MN passed away on Tuesday March 7 at Rainy Lake Medical Center with her loving family by her side.

Ruby was born in Crookston, MN on October 17, 1920 to Emil and Olga (Smith) Knaffla. She grew up in Crookston where she attended school. During her life, Ruby lived in Alvwood, Floodwood, and Deerwood, MN before settling in International Falls. Ruby worked hard her entire life making sure her family was cared for. She worked for a Turkey processing plant and hatchery in Aitkin, a nursing home in Deerwood, and the Holiday Inn, Spot Supper Club and Ric-Jig in International Falls. She was a long-time member of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She married Benjamin A. Friend on May 3, 1939; they were blessed with 5 children.

Ruby loved to plant gardens. She was still doing this well into her 80's; often giving all of her produce to the elderly in assisted living. She also loved raising flowers, berry picking and collecting pretty stones. During her quiet times she enjoyed reading.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; sons: Noel Friend, Gene Friend and Jim Friend; and daughter Wanda Friend; brothers: Leslie Knaffla, Paul Knaffla, Marvin Knaffla; sisters June VanHale, Grace Torkelson, and Shirley Bowes.

Ruby is survived by her daughter Doris Porter, brother Orville Knaffla; sisters: Carol Morin and Marie Zaren; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a Memorial Gathering on Saturday, March 26, 2023 at 1:00PM at the Union Hall in International Falls, MN.