What a classy lady! I so enjoyed our conversations about what life was like as a working mom in the 60s and 70s. She was always so kind, so welcoming to me. Her shrimp scampi was amazing! I'll miss my annual visit!

These words were spoken by mom's pastor at her graveside service:

Typically as part of a service of this type eulogies are offered. Family members or friends get up and say nice things about the deceased person. However, Alex, Chuck and David feel that is simply unnecessary here. Ruth’s life speaks far more powerfully than anything that could be delivered at this time in a few words. There isn’t a person here who needs to be reminded of Ruth’s love, grace and dignity. Certainly not Alex who had 44 years of loving marriage. Chuck and David don’t need anyone to tell them that they couldn’t have had a more loving mother or a parent who provided a better example of faith. Her six grandchildren don’t need to be reminded of the love of their “Gram,” which was showed in so many ways including chocolate chip cookies and toffee. Distance didn’t stand between the love between Ruth and her sister Eunice through a combination of their weekly calls and Eunice’s annual Florida trip. Each of you know Ruth’s deep love and friendship. 

But beyond her love for her family it does bear mentioning that Ruth left the world a better place. She created careers for over a dozen women. She helped found an organization in Appleton, Meals on Wheels, that continues to deliver meals to seniors and others in need. Faith Lutheran Church is forever impacted by Ruth. She was the epitome of the phrase “dynamite comes in small packages!” Several times she took me out to lunch to share her vision for Faith Church, she just really had a love for the place and a great respect for the pastoral office staff here – always so loving and supportive. While they may not realize it, everyone at Faith Lutheran Church owes Ruth and Alex a debt of gratitude. Each Sunday morning their efforts to find a place to park are much easier as the result of Ruth and Alex’s foresight to acquire neighboring homes, and their financial contributions towards making that happen. Eventually the Church was able to close of the street and build a large parking lot.

Ruth’s strong faith also speaks for itself. She attended Faith Lutheran church for decades, always sitting in the front on the left side. She always sang with a strong voice, and if the organist dared drag a hymn Ruth would use her strong voice to push the tempo.
Commemorating and celebrating Ruth at this time does remind us all of the fact that we all are mortal, we all have to die one day. And that brings up those questions concerning the meaning of it all, doesn't it?

My dear sister