Ruth M. Heus (Nee Chrouser) passed peacefully onto the Lord on Tuesday, September 29th, 2015 at her home in rural Chilton with her loving husband Harley at her side. She was 93 years old.
Born December 26, 1921 in Stratford, Wisconsin the daughter of George and Mertie (Margaret Condon) Chrouser.
Ruth married Harland Heus on August 16, 1948 at St. Josephs' church in Stratford.
Survivors include husband Harley, children Beth Gagnebin, Edythe Heus, Bill Heus, grandchildren Matthew Gagnebin (wife Meagan, son Caleb), Amanda Gagnebin, Alexander Browne, Lucas and Emily Heus.
Preceded in death by three brothers, Roland, Don and Ralph and a sister Mary Carol Stotmeister, daughter Geradette, and granddaughter Heide.
Ruth attended St. Josephs' Catholic School, Stratford High School (1936-1940), University of Wisconsin Steven Point (1940-1944) graduating with a degree in teaching. Ruth move to New Holstein in 1944 after graduating and taught until 1950. From 1950 until 1970 she dedicated herself to her family, raising her three children. She resumed teaching in 1970 and taught until 1988. Ruth was a former member of Central State Teachers College Band and Chorus and Stevens Point City Orchestra as a trumpet player. She was a member of Omega Mu Chi Sorority and an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Psi-a National Music Fraternity.
She was a member of Holy Rosary Church, New Holstein. Other memberships included Marion Circle, Daughters of Isabella, Calumet County Retired Educators, Calumet Nature Studies, Liberal Arts Club, National Wildlife Federation, Nature Conservancy, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and her bridge club.
Ruth was the first recipient of the New Holstein School District, "Teacher of the Year" award, a dedicated teacher who loved her students and cherished their continued contact and life stories. Ruth will be remember by many of her students whose lives she deeply touched.
An aspect of her life was her dedication to her faith. Every day was lived in gratitude for all God created and bestowed on her, her family and friends. She was a voracious reader and learner who loved life. Her many interests included in order: family, faith, friends, reading, trees, flowers, photography and travel.
Beth, Edythe and Bill, her children remember her as loving, courageous, inquisitive, and appreciative of life and nature. Always a teacher whether formal teaching or instilling a love for learning, her children remained her students throughout her life.
Harley will miss Ruth, her quick wit, her Irish sayings, her energy and enthusiasm. He dedicated himself to providing her comfort during her last days. They were happily married for 67 years. Ruth was dedicated to her family, relatives and friends. She was loved by all, will be missed and remembered as a loving and dedicated wife and mother, and as an outstanding teacher who shared her faith and commitment to learning.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, October 5, 2015, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1724 Madison Street New Holstein, WI 53061. Rev. Harold Berryman will officiate with Deacon, Pat Knier assisting.
Family and friends may greet the family at the church Monday morning from 10:00am until 11:45am.
A memorial fund will be established in her name.
For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net