Ruth (Welage) Desmond

Desmond, Ruth age 86 of St. Paul passed away on December 17, 2025.

Preceded in death by parents Norbert and Mildred Welage; siblings, Virginia Schannach (Bob), Bernard Welage, Norene Eiden, Nubby Welage ; in-laws, Peg (Nick) Hecimovich, Jean (Ken) Utecht, John Desmond and son-in-law, George Mallory.

Survived by husband of 66 years, Robert “Bob”; children, Barbara Townsend (Bill), Patti Mallory, Tim Desmond, Bill Desmond (Michelle); 10 grandchildren Danielle Kinning (Aaron), Ryan Townsend (Shannon), Bryan Mallory (Abby), Jessica Mallory, Nicole Mallory, Anthony Desmond (and his mother Jamalee Desmond), Elisabeth Lester (Shane), Jeremiah Desmond (Sarina), Brittani Walsh and Tanner Desmond; 10 great grandchildren, Nora, Emma, Ava, Riley, Dustin, Benjamin, Aiden, Vivienne, Olivine, and Dodge; siblings, Mary Bissonett (Bill) and Carol Bernard (Bill); in -laws Donn Eiden, Mary Ann Wachholz, Judy Desmond and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth is also survived by her Mahj group and her classmates from Derham Hall. She was a great friend, that welcomed new friends and acquaintances as though they had known each other forever with her smile and kindness.

Ruth Desmond whose silhouette meant love - whether it was the love for her parents and siblings or the love she had for her soulmate Bob. They together grew that love into their four children and when each of them found their partners, she embraced them all with open arms.

It was such a blessing to be present and witness her welcoming each of her grandchildren, her face would radiate and that light was still there even as each of those grandchildren grew into adults. She was so proud to be able to witness those milestones throughout the years.

Ruth’s greatest joy was when those precious grands started bringing her, her great grandchildren. An event she never dreamt was possible because her own grandparents were gone before she was born. She beamed a spotlight unto each of those beautiful souls, and to think it started with her loving a boy. What a grand life she led.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday December 30th at 10 am at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2055 Bohland Ave., St. Paul. Visitation one hour prior. Private interment Fort Snelling Cemetery.

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