Jordan, Minnesota — As the investigation into the cause of a deadly mobile home fire that killed 67-year-old Ruth Benjaminson and 36-year-old Callie Noltee, a mother and daughter, continues, their family says they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support as they try to figure out how to move forward from their devastating loss.
The fire started in the early hours of Wednesday, April 16, at Valley Green Mobile Home Park, southwest of the Twin Cities metro.
When first responders arrived around 3:30 a.m., the home was already on fire. Both women were rescued from the burning house; one died on the scene, while the other died at the hospital. Three family dogs also perished in the fire.
Ruth’s granddaughter, Cozette Linton, tells KARE 11 that Ruth died as a hero. She claims Ruth initially fled the fire but returned inside in a desperate attempt to save her daughter and their pets.
“She (Ruth) was a faithful person,” Cozette explained. “She would always go around telling everyone about God and just making sure she loved everyone the best she could with whatever she had. Even though she and Callie didn’t have much, they would give away the T-shirts on their backs to anyone they could.
Cozette says her grandfather, Pat, who survived the fire, was released from the hospital on Friday after recovering from smoke inhalation. Ruth’s son Quinten also lived in the mobile home, but was not present when the fire started.
Ruth’s charitable legacy lives on even after the tragedy. She donated her organs and tissue to help others in need.
A fundraiser has been launched to assist the family with funeral expenses and replacing essential belongings lost in the fire. Those interested in supporting the family can find the fundraiser here.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated by the State Fire Marshal.