Ruth Wibbens

Ruth Wibbens, age 92, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.

A memorial service for Ruth will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank. Rev. Thom Bowsher will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is recommended. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming will be viewable on this website.

Ruth Ethel Wibbens, devoted mother, grandmother, and friend peacefully passed on 9/17/20 at the age of, 92, in Milbank, SD. Ruth was born in Langford, SD, July 27, 1928, to Edval and Ethel Gullickson, the second youngest of six children. She graduated from Langford High School in 1946 and attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD.

She was employed at Bell Telephone Company as a Switchboard Operator in Aberdeen, SD.  She received a promotion to transfer to Miami, FL, as an Overseas and Marine Operator, which included calls from the celebrity yachts of Errol Flynn and Lucille Ball.  Her sister, Mable Gullickson, also moved with her.  She transferred back to Aberdeen, SD, with Bell Telephone and was given a promotion to move to Milbank, SD, where she met Ernest Wibbens, Jr. at a social event.  They married on April 22, 1954.

Ruth was hired at Milbank Mutual/Royal Insurance in 1967 and retired from there with a rewarding career.  She was the voice that everyone knew and was a member of the Royal Guards for employees with over 25 years of Royal Service.  She received many accolades throughout her career.

Ruth was well known in the Milbank community.  She was active in the Central United Methodist Church with choir and Bible studies, Woman’s Insurance Business Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of Norway, Meals on Wheels, and Girl’s State at Milbank High School.

Some of Ruth’s hobbies included traveling, reading, attending Bible studies, and playing Bridge.

She is survived by her son, Gordon (Jerilyn) Wibbens of Stanwood, WA; daughter, Nancy Wibbens of Kirkland, WA; grandchildren: Nicholas and Kristina Wibbens of Stanwood, WA; and sister, Mable Gullickson of Minneapolis, MN.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Wibbens Jr.; her parents; and siblings: Jeanette Hurrell, Clark Gullickson, Marvin Gullickson, and Roy Gullickson.

Ruth was very social. She loved to entertain friends and spend time with her children and grandchildren. Her door was always open for cookies and coffee. She was a great cook with a full freezer.  She made such an impression and touched so many people. She had so many life stories to share and words of wisdom.  Ruth was everybody’s friend, a good listener, and she would always have advice to offer.  She would always say, “never quit anything and never give up”. She will be dearly missed.

Memorials in Ruth’s name may be sent to Central United Methodist Church in Milbank.