Ruth Demers Carolan, 94, of Austin, Minn., died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, at Mayo Health Systems Hospital in Austin.

Ruth was born March 11, 1918, in Decorah, Iowa, to Urban and Blanche Whalen. On March 20, 1937, she married the love of her life, Melvin Stephen Carolan at Plymouth Rock, Iowa. They had five children and relocated to Austin in 1941.

Ruth was an active member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church. She enjoyed family gatherings, sewing, gardening, Bingo, trips to the casino, playing cards and listening to and participating in KAUS radio Party Line. Most of all she enjoyed being surrounded by her family. She always had a pot of coffee on and desserts in the freezer for anyone who would drop in for a visit. She was always available for family, no matter what their needs and she made people feel special.

She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin; son-in-law Dick Walsh; grandson Scott Walsh; brothers Leonard, Leslie, Floyd, Alois and Patrick; sisters Gladys, Aletha and Cecelia. She is survived by her children Teresa (Orville) Scholbrock of Charles City, Iowa, Jean Walsh of Austin, Gary (Lynn) Carolan of Austin, Diana (Paul) Gartner of Fort Collins, Colo., Danny (Carol) Carolan; brother Oliver (Marlene) Whalen; brothers-in-law Sylvester Carolan and Andy Martin; sister-in-law Erna Whalen; 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We remember Mom and Grandma saying the rosary every day, teaching the family to pray and to have a relationship with God. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Ruth Carolan on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 16 at Mayer Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. with a rosary at 4 p.m. and a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Mayer Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements.