James Ruden, 90, Williston, died on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home, Williston.

His funeral services are at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at the First Lutheran Church, Williston. The Rev. Marty Mock is officiating.

Interment is at the Riverview Cemetery. Friends may sign the online register book and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com.

James Edwin Ruden was born on March 25, 1919, to Olaf and Elsina (Jensen) Ruden on the family farm near White Earth. He was raised and educated in the White Earth area and worked on his parents' farm.

He met the dream of his life, Irene Haugsland and they were married on Aug. 22, 1943, at Manitou. The couple lived on their farm north of White Earth. On May 27, 1944, their son, Jerome, was born. In 1946, James moved the family to Florida to work on a ranch. In 1947, the family moved to San Clemente, Calif., until 1950, when the family moved back to Williston, where James and his family lived all their lives. His wife, Irene, passed away in January 2006.

James was a wonderful father and grandfather. He was known for being a loving and kind individual.

He was a farmer and a salesman. He worked at the Goodyear Company for many years. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Williston.

He was a member of the Sons of Norway and the Elks.

James enjoyed hunting and especially enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren.

James is survived by his son, Jerome (Gayanne) Ruden, Williston; grandchildren, Aundrea (Steve) Krivitsky, Great Falls, James W. Ruden, Williston and Guy (Michelle) Salonek, Sparks, Nev.; great-grandchild, Ayden Krivitsky and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene; brother, Iver Ruden and sister, Ruth Feiring.

Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home, Williston on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and an hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.