Ruth "Anita Nugun" Picht, age 81, of Grand Rapids, passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 at the Grand Village Lodge, Grand Rapids.

Ruth was born in 1942 to Walter and Agnes Hansen in the bustling city of St. Paul, Minnesota. In the dusty halls of Mechanic Arts High School, she met her true love, her own cowboy named William "Itasca Bill" Picht. In 1963, they rode off into the sunset together, leaving the city behind, heading north of Grand Rapids to carve their own piece of heaven. Destined for the wild, wide-open spaces, they built a life and raised their family in the rugged north.

Throughout her days, Ruth wore many hats, depending on the task at hand. She lent her skills to Itasca County in various roles over the years. In 1991, Ruth and Bill moved to Bovey and Ruth retired ten years later. But retirement didn't mean slowing down. Ruth had a love for hunting, fishing, and camping that ran deeper than the Rio Grande. She and Bill travelled extensively, roaming the plains and mountains in their four-wheeled steeds as they traveled for Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Cowboy Action Shooting was their passion, and they chased it like outlaws on the run, alongside family and friends.

Ruth, known as "Anita Nugun" to her fellow cowboys and cowgirls, was a life member of both the NRA and the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) (Cowboy Action Shooting). She aimed her pistols with the precision of a sharpshooter and was a legend in her own right within the shooting communities. Ruth was also a member of the Virginia Rifle and Pistol Club. Ruth and Bill lived by the adage, "If you're too old to play cowboy, you're too old!"

Ruth reunited with her loved ones who had ridden ahead to the great frontier beyond. She was preceded in death by her parents; her dear husband, Bill; son, Stephen Wade Picht; and sister Mary Jane Purcell.

She is survived by three sons: Michael Seth Picht of Bovey, MN; Daniel Zane (Kelly) Picht of Grand Rapids, MN, and Nathan Rafe Picht of Plymouth, MN; daughter-in-law, Brenda Picht; three grandchildren: Ashley (Zach), Lane, and Emily (Chad); three great-grandchildren: Celine and Lewis (Zach & Ashley), and Callen (Chad and Emily); brother-in-law, Wilbur Purcell and many other family and friends.

Per Ruth's wishes there will be no formal services. A private family event will be held in her honor.

In lieu of memorials or condolences, her family kindly asks that you honor Ruth's memory by reconnecting with someone you may have lost touch with over the years. In doing so, you will pay tribute to Ruth's enduring commitment to nurturing and revitalizing meaningful relationships.