Patricia Ruelle

 Patricia “Patty” Ann Ruelle was born in International Falls on April 14, 1958 to William and Olive McBride. She passed away at the age of 67 from complications during a routine surgical procedure at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN on August 1, 2025.

Patty graduated from Falls High School in 1976 where she was active in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) and was Head Majorette. Shortly after graduation in 1978 she met the love of her life, J.R. (Roland Ruelle, Jr.) and they were married May 9, 1981. Patty and J.R. loved spending time together and with their friends. An affectionate couple for nearly 40 years, they rarely did anything separate from each other. Patty became the best mom anyone could ask for in 1986 to Alysa and again in 1990 to Jake. She was a loving and caring mom, always putting her children’s needs before her own. Patty and J.R. put in countless hours in the basketball bleachers watching Alysa and freezing in arenas while Jake played hockey. Summers were spent on Rainy Lake at the cabin on Stop Island fishing, swimming and relaxing as a family. Rarely were they apart as a family even as her children became adults. Patty’s number one hobby was taking care of the people she loved, her family and friends. Food could fix anything, and you could always count on a meal and a cold beer when visiting her. Holidays were always celebrated with Christmas being the most special to her. In 2015 and 2019, J.R. and Patty became grandparents to Gunnar and Oliver. She was the most special “Grammy” always ready for a snuggle and a treat, her freezer stocked with ice cream sandwiches.

Patty was lucky enough to have many friends, but there were some special friends were steadfast in keeping Patty moving forward after losing J.R. in 2019. She enjoyed spending time in Florida with Shelby (Kevin) Dowty, Cathy (Scott) Readman, and Sue Maki (Mitch Hall). She took her first solo flight to Florida but in recent years Bonnie Hoppe started joining in her travels. Ruth (Mike) Demuth could be counted on for a few cold ones and some pull tabs. Ruth and Patty had a standing date every Wednesday since J.R. passed to have dinner and watch their “Chicago” shows. Michelle Friesen was a friend from afar she could count on to have long phone chats over a glass of wine supporting each other during difficult times. Her brother-in-law, Ralph (Karen) Ruelle, always made sure she got up to the cabin and spent time with her even though it was difficult without J.R.

Patty is survived by her siblings Rick (Therese) McBride, Dwayne (Lu) McBride, and Pam (Brad) Timmer; children Alysa (Joe) Hackenmueller and Jake Ruelle; grandchildren Gunnar and Oliver; and many loved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Olive McBride, and her beloved husband, J.R. (Roland Ruelle, Jr).

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Catholic Church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:00 am.

Interment will be at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.