Ruth Farkvam, nee Egeland, Chicago, IL went peacefully home to God on September 15, 2026.

She was born on August 1, 1923, in Norway to Sigurd and Thea Regine Egeland, a sporty, musical, can-do family. Her father was a baker, a talent she inherited. She was a good student with a practical business mind. However, she took a job in the textile industry.

As WWII broke out and Norway was occupied, she met her future husband, Anton (1918-2001) an evangelist and carpenter. As a newlywed couple, coping with food shortages, blackout curtains, ID papers, jobs, etc, the young couple kept staying close to their families and faith. They lost their belongings on a ship, which was bombed at sea, killing many. But by luck they had not boarded the ship, because it was too crowded. So they opted to go by train instead. Unfortunately, that train hit a mine, tipping it upside down, causing many fatalities. But they survived.

Despite such challenges, they became the parents of eight children.

Their strong values of faith, family, school, work and community kept them active at all times. They enjoyed outdoor hikes to mountains, beaches, church picnics, song, music and hospitality.

At the age of 44, Ruth left Norway with some of the children to join her husband, Anton in Chicago, where they decided to settle. She faced new customs, culture and language. But she was a quick learner. As years went by she became more comfortable speaking and reading English than her native language.

After years of looking after children and grandchildren in Chicago, she started working as a hostess in an executive dining room. She took public transportation to work and enjoyed her job immensely.

She was a member of the Philadelphia Church in Chicago. And also attended the Norwegian Minnekirken in Logan Square.

She is survived by her children, Astrid ( Odd), Ragnhild (John), Lillian ( Helge),

Solfrid the late Ken), Arild ( Kari), Hilde (Paul), Reidun ( Rich), Else ( Robert).

Proud grandmother to 23, great grandmother to 44, great-great grandmother to 4.

The first thing our beloved Ruth did when she came to Chicago was to plant an entire hedge of red roses in the yard. Today we shower her with the world’s most beautiful roses coming directly to her from our hearts. Be at peace beautiful one!

You will always be the brightest diamond in our lives! Shine on from God’s heaven!

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Missions Support Fund with Philadelphia Church in Chicago. https://pcchicago.org/home or a gift of trees at https://shop.alivingtribute.org/