Ruth Ramaker

Ruth Agnes Ramaker (nee Smies), 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, with her family by her side after a long illness.  She joined her late husband Ron of 58 years in heaven.

Ruth was born on January 28, 1941, in Sheboygan, WI, to Agnes and Peter Smies.  Beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother, Ruth leaves behind her loving family. Those who remain behind to carry on her love and memory are her children Russ (Amy) Ramaker, Rhonda (Robert) Felice and Rick (Sara) Ramaker; five grandchildren, Matthew (Melissa) Ramaker, Laura Ramaker, Ryan Ramaker, Zachary Felice, and Brittany Felice.

She also leaves behind a close-knit extended family including two sisters, Shirley Hilbelink and Fran TeRonde; sister-in-law Beverly Ramaker; four brothers-in-law Daniel (Karen) Ramaker, Stanley (Bonnie) Ramaker, Phil (Joan) Ramaker, and Wendell (Diane) Ramaker. She was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, Arthur Vander Waal, Donald Hilbelink and David Ramaker.

Ruth was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School and received her teaching degree at Cardinal Stritch University. She was a dedicated teacher for many years including patiently teaching children with disabilities. Ruth also served as an active member of Trinity Community Church in Brown Deer.  Ruth and Ron were the longest-standing members of the church and Ruth created and managed the church library which was subsequently named after her.  Through the church, they went on many mission trips together including assisting with natural disasters in Florida and teaching English in Venezuela.

Ruth loved to spend time with her family more than anything. She would never pass up an opportunity to spend time with her children and grandchildren and loved to cook great meals for everyone. Some of her favorite hobbies were reading, traveling and knitting, but one of her greatest joys was music. She learned how to play the piano later in life and was known to break out in song at any time.  Ruth will be remembered by her family for her sense of adventure and zest for life, how she always thought about others first, and her desire to teach and bring everyone together. She will be missed very much!

Visitation for Ruth will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Trinity Community Church in Brown Deer. A funeral service to celebrate her life will begin at 11:00 am. A light luncheon will follow. Burial will take place at Gibbsville Cemetery in the Town of Lima at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ruth's name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (Donations) or Trinity Community Church.

For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.