Ruth Ann Bye, age 74 of North Hudson, died unexpectedly on Monday, October 21, 2013 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Ruth was born on April 25, 1939 in Hudson, Wisconsin; the daughter of Gerald and Dorothy (Morgan) Crawley. She was raised in Hudson where she attended school graduating from Hudson High School with the Class of 57’. Ruth worked as a secretary for 3M Manufacturing in St. Paul for several years before becoming employed as the secretary matron for the St. Croix County Sheriff Department. She thoroughly enjoyed her years with the department under Sheriff’s Charlie Grant and Ralph Bader before retiring. On February 14, 1976, she was united in marriage to her best friend Marlo Bye in Hastings. Ruth loved spending time with her family and entertaining. Christmas by far was her favorite. She made meals to feed an army; but made sure everyone had something special for them to eat. The house was cleverly decorated with trees and her Santa collection; Christmas spirit was in the air. She enjoyed time fishing with Marlo and taking care of her special dog, George. She was always proud to be a former North Hudson Pepper Fest Queen back in the early 50’s. Another one of her favorite pastimes was spending time getting her hands dirty in her gardens. Vegetable and flower gardens alike flourished under her care. She had a green thumb and always knew how to capture the right plant for that time of the year.

Ruth will fondly be remembered by her husband Marlo; children, Scott Dardine of North Hudson, Kim (Scott) Saniti of Texas, Dianne (Leigh) Halvorsen of Hudson, Jim (Lisa) Dardine of Hudson, and Mike Dardine of New Richmond; step-children, Jodi (Brad) Kempf of River Falls, and Ron (Sarah) Bye of River Falls; grandchildren, Ericka (Jeremy) Hammer, David Saniti, Joe (Kristin) Halvorsen, Tyler Halvorsen, Adam Dardine, Josh Dardine, Parker Dardine, Isaac Dardine, Justin (Ashley) Dardine, Tonya Dardine; step-grandchildren, Clint Kempf, Spencer Kempf, Alex Bye, Jack Bye, Victor Bye; great-grandchildren, Layla Halvorsen, Breckyn Wood; brother, Pat (Mary) Crawley of Webster; sister-in-heart, Karen Crawley of North Hudson; as well as many extended family and relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A time to gather to remember Ruth Bye will be from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, October 25 with a Memorial Service to follow at 7:00pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson. Interment will be in the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Services in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. 715-386-3725