Sather, Miriam Russell

Miriam Russell Sather, 88, of Harmony, Minn., formerly of Canton, Minn., and Grand Mound, died suddenly Thursday, July 29, 2010, at the Winneshiek Medical Center, Decorah.

Miriam was born near Morley, Jones County, Iowa, to Willard H. and Thelma (Leinbaugh) Russell on Feb. 22, 1922. She was raised on the family farm in Dayton Township, north of Clarence, Cedar County. She was baptized and confirmed at the Clarence Methodist Episcopal Church in 1933.

Miriam graduated valedictorian of the Class of 1939 in Clarence High School and entered the State University of Iowa, graduating in the Class of 1943, with a degree in Home Economics Education. Miriam's first teaching job reflected the World War II years, as she was the principal and taught more science and chemistry classes than home economics in Grand Mound, Iowa. After three years teaching in Grand Mound, she taught one year at Norway, Iowa, before coming to Canton High School in the fall of 1948. She also taught one year in Preston, 1951.

She met her future husband, Gordon A. Sather, while teaching in Canton, and was married at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minn., on July 16, 1949. Gordon died June 24, 1958. She was the city treasurer and city clerk for the City of Canton for nearly 24 years, retiring in 1997. During earlier years she participated in the Prorati Study Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She was longtime member and elder of the Canton Scotland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Women. While she was an active elder, the Canton Scotland Presbyterian Church expanded its church building for which she was proud to have played a part in its construction.

In 2002, Miriam moved to Heritage Grove in Harmony and enjoyed living there. She enjoyed reading, sewing, baking and flower gardening through the years. Currently, her deck garden at Heritage Grove continues in full bloom, for which she took great care and pride.

She is survived by three sons, Marc R. Sather (Jeanne Barre) of Preston, Minn., Allan K. Sather, of Bloomington, Ind., and Britt G. Sather (Denise) of Fort Wayne, Ind.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, including Everett Anthony Sather born 10 days ago. Also surviving is her brother, Keith E. Russell (Dorothy) of Clarence, Iowa.

Miriam was predeceased by her husband and her parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 14 at the Canton -Scotland Presbyterian Church in Canton, conducted by the Rev. Amy Perkins. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service. A private internment will occur Aug. 13 at the Elliota Cemetery, Canton Township, Minnesota.

Memorials are preferred to Canton Scotland Presbyterian Memorial Fund, Fillmore County History Center, Fountain, MN. Mengis Funeral Home, Mabel, MN, is assisting the family with arrangements.