Ruth E. Santella

At the age of eighteen, she moved from the family farm to the Twin Cities. Her first job was at American Radio and Television where she wound coils. She then moved onto Western Electric soldering circuit boards and finally to Univac where she inspected computer boards. She married Felix Santella on November 15, 1952, at the age of eighteen. After having two children and multiple babysitting incidents later, she decided to stay home to be a mother and homemaker. She started her own business from home as a custom drapery maker and was very successful. She made drapery for 35 years. While running her own business, she also sold Avon where she received numerous sales awards.

After the sudden passing of her husband, Felix, Ruth married Jack Pascoe in 1995 and spent her retirement years bowling, playing bocce ball, dancing, and visiting the casino. She also enjoyed gardening both vegetables and flowers, crocheting, ceramics and sewing. She was an amazing cook and baker and always gifting her family and friends with various treats. Some of her other activities included volunteering at her church in many capacities, at the Festival of Nations and for the Columbus Memorial Association. She was also an avid dog lover having many dogs throughout the years. Her last faithful companion was Brutus who was always by her side.

Anyone that knew Ruth, would describe her as very determined, hardworking, no nonsense, extremely generous with a very witty personality. She was always looking out for the underdog. She did not like it when someone was being taken advantage of by another. If she didn’t like what you said or did, you always knew it. She told you as much. She was also very good hearted and always giving of herself whenever it was needed. She was once quoted as saying, “No one is going to boss me around and I think more women should have that attitude.” (2016)

Preceded in death by husbands Felix Santella and Jack Pascoe, parents Sam and Louise Damico, brothers George and Jim Damico, sisters Virginia Damico and Shirley Pickar. Survived by son Gary (Monica) Santella and daughter Deb Weber, grandchildren Gina (Jacob) Woolfrey, Mariah Weber, Jake Weber, and great granddaughters Arianna and Aubriella Wingo, sister-in-law June Damico, brother-in-law Ed Pickar, and many other dear relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Peter in North St. Paul, 2600 Margaret St. N, Friday, January 20^th at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 19^th from 4:00-7:00 pm, with a prayer vigil at 6:30 pm at Mueller Memorial in White Bear Lake, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave and one hour prior to Mass on Friday at the Church of St. Peter in North St. Paul. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.