Carmen LaRae Ruud left this world and rode up to Heaven on Monday, September 11, 2023, in a Fargo, ND hospital surrounded by family.

Carmen was born June 26, 1972, in Minot, ND to Clara (Moseng) Hauck and Budd Redding and baptized and confirmed at Hjerdal Church. Carmen grew up in the rural Velva, ND areas. She attended Velva Public School where she played volleyball and ran hurdles in track. She played saxophone and piano and sang in the choir. She earned the John Philip Sousa award for her commitment to and accomplishments in band and choir her senior year. She graduated in the spring of 1990. Carmen received her associate degree from Minot State University in medical coding and her hair stylist license at the Headquarters Academy in Minot, ND. Carmen enjoyed her career as a hairstylist so much that she continued to cut hair for family and friends even after her careers changed.

Carmen met the love her life, “Bossman” Jeffrey Ruud at a 4th of July rodeo in Towner, ND. They were married August 5, 2000, on the family farm in Parshall, ND.

Carmen’s biggest pride & joy which she poured her endless energy into was her family, especially her four boys: Garrett (1997), Jace (2001), twins Logan and Alex (2004). Carmen proudly claimed the title “Mama Ruud” & “mama’d” everyone who came to the ranch. Carmen loved to spend time with her boys celebrating all their accomplishments and milestones, big or small. She was their biggest cheerleader.

Carmen was known for lighting up a room with her beautiful smile, laughter, and quick “one-liners”. She cared about everyone she met. Carmen was a great nurturer but was one tough cowgirl and could hang with the cowboys. She cherished all of the seasons of her life competing in rodeos, racing her ponies on the Towner racetrack, competing in the all-girl ranch rodeo team as the best left-handed roper in the pen, farming in the combines and tractors, hunting, acting as branding pen boss, and fishing especially her fishing trip to Alaska and her time spent in the Women On The Water ND Tournament. Carmen was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed making meals for the cowboys and was known for introducing those cowboys to new and adventurous foods. Carmen loved making lefse with her kids, sisters, and friends. Carmen was an animal lover but had a soft spot for dogs and horses. She was very artistic excelling in leatherwork, beading, crafting, and gardening.

Carmen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on May 3, 2021. Carmen met that diagnosis head on with her cowgirl “kickass” attitude. On December 27, 2021, Carmen rang the bell at Roger Maris Cancer Center with a hopeful heart that while she was so thankful for all that they had done she wouldn’t be seeing those nurses and doctors’ faces anymore. Four months later the cancer had returned and had moved to her liver. Throughout the entire journey of surgery and chemo treatments Carmen maintained an upbeat, positive outlook often saying, “there’s always, always, always something to be thankful for”. Carmen always looked to give back to others in every situation and that thought process guided her cancer treatment decisions. Carmen was a perfect example of how to continue to live with happiness and joy even in an imperfect life.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Ruud, sons Jace Ruud and Logan Ruud, parents Budd Redding of Velva, ND, Clara (John) Hauck of Voltaire, ND, and Carmen Redding of Velva, ND, siblings: Maria (Ron) Norbury of Velva, ND, Ryan Redding of Voltaire, ND, Alicia (Sherif) Said of Eden Prairie, Amber (Emery) Durand of St. Paul, MN, Elizabeth (Blake) Colby of Voltaire, ND, Amy (Jamie) Guttormson of Velva, ND, her in-laws: Steve (Karen) Ruud of Parshall, ND, James (Angela) Ruud of Bismarck, ND, Kevin (Lisa) Ruud of Cheyenne, WY, her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews along with a long list of close and special extended family and friends.

Carmen was preceded in death by her sons Garrett Hoelscher and Alex Ruud. What a joyous reunion they've had.