Susan “Susi” Haines Ruchie, age 57, passed away June 7th, 2022, in Edina, Minnesota, following a long battle with LGL Leukemia.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11am at Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina. Visitation will be held on Monday, Jun 20, 2022 from 10-11am at Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina. A private interment will be held in Willmar later. ln lieu of flowers, memorials to Lymphoma Research Foundation, American Swedish Institute, Willmar Public Schools Foundation, or Normandale Lutheran Church are preferred.

Susan Haines Ruchie was born September 9, 1964 in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Donna (Meline) Haines. She grew up in Willmar, was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church. Susi attended Lafayette Elementary School and graduated from Willmar High School in 1982. She attended Ridgewater Community College and then the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. Susi was a Registered Dietician who worked many years at Hennepin County Medical Center and Abbot Northwestern Hospital.

In 1995 she met the love of her life, Mark Ruchie, at an all-school reunion in Willmar. Both were a bit “shy” and had the secret weapon of both mothers who helped them maintain contact until they married on March 24, 2001. Her “clinching” line to her husband was “I enjoy knitting, family and travel.” This union resulted in their biggest accomplishment in this world, their daughter Elvy. Susi loved to read to Elvy, play games with her and help her learn about the world.

Susi was a baton twirler for the “U” of Arizona Wildcat Marching Band. She grew up competing in baton twirling contests throughout the Midwest and three times in Hawaii. She was also a Talent Show…