Ruth Medina (nee Tucker), 74, loving mother, sister and friend, passed away on April 1, 2013, surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born Aug. 6, 1938, and raised in Dexter, Minn., the eldest of five children. After graduating high school, she entered into the profession of nursing, first in Rochester, then in Minneapolis. She met and married her husband Ambrose, and they began their lives across from Mt. Sinai Hospital. They moved to the Phillipines for two years before returning back to Minnesota.

They settled in their home for more than 40 years on Kenwood Parkway and raised their children surrounded by wonderful neighbors and friends. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, attending school events, traveling and meeting new people. She was proud of her nursing career and enjoyed taking continuing education courses well after retiring from her profession. Above all, she loved her family and made certain that everyone who entered her home was welcomed and well fed. She touched the lives of many people and her absence will be profound.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Loretta Tucker; husband, Dr. Ambrosio Medina; and an infant son.

Her legacy continues in her children, Anita (Peter) Tomascak, Teresa (William Wimmer) Medina, Dr. Angela (Tom Holm) Medina, A. Thomas (Susan) Medina and Joseph (Jenny) Medina; grandchildren, Peter, Amelia, Christopher, Cullen, Anna, Grace, Thomas and Madeline; siblings, Lawrence (Donna) Tucker, Harold (Pat) Tucker, Marilyn Tucker and Raymond Tucker; and aunts and many nieces.

The family would like to extend its thanks to the caring staff at Sunrise Golden Living, especially Tasha, for their great kindness over the past few years. Thanks also to the Park Nicollet Hospice Program for its support these past few months.

Visitation will be Friday, April 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary, at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and 17th Street in Minneapolis. Interment will take place at Lakewood Cemetery.