Ruth Elizabeth Thurston

     Ruth Elizabeth Thurston, was born March 3, 1927, in Greenville, Iowa, the daughter of James and Inez (Bakke) Fraser.  Ruth grew up in Greenville and graduated from Greenville in 1944.

     Ruth married Charles Thurston on August 11, 1946, in Spencer.  Following their marriage, Ruth lived in Spencer and worked for the telephone company and later for Stub’s Ranch Kitchen.  In 1968, she owned and managed her first restaurant, “The Place”.  Then in 1971, she owned and managed a steakhouse called “Thurston Place” for 19 years until 1990.  Ruth lived in Spencer for over 70 years and was a member of the Congregational Church in Spencer.  She was a member of the Iowa Restaurant Association, the Iowa Beverage Association and Small Business Association.

     She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Charles Thurston; one brother, Tom Fraser of Storm Lake, IA; two sisters: Mary Fairchild of Spencer, IA and Phyllis Bielfeldt of Ruthven, IA.

     She is survived by one son, Blaine Thurston and his wife, Judy of Spencer, IA; one daughter, Laurie Sorrell of Spencer, IA; 3 grandchildren: Cory (Lisa) Sorrell of Pittsburgh, PA, Josh (Erin) Sorrell of Ankeny, IA, James (Sandy) Thurston of Ankeny, IA; 4 step-grandchildren: Kevin (Elaine) Cronk, Kenny (Beth) Cronk, Lori (Eric) Bales and Kerry Cronk; 5 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.