Ruth Kokko

Ruth Marion Kokko, age 88, died March 15, 2026, at Essentia Health - Virginia. 

She was born May 27, 1937, to Wainio and Fannie Kokko. Except for a Virginia Care Center stay at the end of her life, she was a lifelong resident of Gilbert, Minnesota. She was a graduate of the Gilbert High School. Ruth had been a very active member of United Lutheran Church in Gilbert, and later transferred that active membership to Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia, Minnesota. Ruth was employed at Erie Mining Company (later became known as LTV Steel Mining Company) for 35 years upon her retirement. 

Ruth is survived by her sister, Helen Niemi, and her long-time companion, Jim Stanhope of Aurora, Minnesota.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Toivo Silda; her brother-in-law, Edmund Niemi and her niece and nephew: Diane and Dale Niemi. Ruth is interred at the Gilbert Cemetery.