The late Ruth Moeller, a resident of Long Prairie, Minnesota, passed away this past weekend. Her granddaughter, Elisha Marie, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, expressing sorrow for those learning about Ruth’s passing through social media. Elisha highlighted the urgent need for financial assistance to cover the costs of Ruth’s cremation and other final expenses.
Tomiah Moeller, Ruth’s daughter, organized a GoFundMe campaign titled "Support for Ruth Moeller’s Final Journey" to raise the necessary funds. As of today, $800 has been raised out of the $7,000 goal from nine donations. The largest donation so far is $200 from Beth Heck (Kolden), followed by contributions from Janelle Haskins and Patricia Herbst, each giving $100.
In a detailed and emotional post, Tomiah explained the troubling circumstances surrounding Ruth’s final years. After Ruth’s husband, who worked for a union for 32 years, passed away, her son Josh promised to care for her. However, instead of providing the needed support, Josh allegedly took advantage of Ruth, gaining control of her finances and neglecting her well-being. Ruth, who had been in and out of hospitals and nursing homes since December, often lacked essential items and was frequently found in dire health conditions due to neglect.
Tomiah recounted how the family had to step in and make funeral arrangements without Josh’s help, despite him having control over Ruth’s finances. The total cost of the arrangements, excluding a service or funeral, came close to $6,000. When Tomiah approached Josh about covering the expenses, he refused, suggesting that the money should come from their grandmother’s life insurance policy.
In response to this refusal and the financial abuse, Tomiah set up the GoFundMe campaign. The situation has also led to reports of elder abuse and financial exploitation being filed against Josh, which are currently under investigation. Despite these challenges, the family is determined to honor Ruth’s memory and ensure she receives a proper farewell.
Elisha Marie’s Facebook post and Tomiah Moeller’s fundraising efforts highlight the family’s struggle and the broader issue of elder abuse and financial exploitation. The community’s support, both emotional and financial, is crucial as they navigate this difficult time and seek justice for Ruth Moeller.
Note:This post was written and edited by Mason Brown, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.