Ruth M. Thomas

February 9, 1928 - November 7, 2017

Ruth M. Thomas, after a wonderful life, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in Menomonie, WI on November 7, 2017. She was born in Medford, Wisconsin on February 9, 1928 to Charles and Helen Mathey. She attended the Mathey School, a one room elementary school, graduated from Medford High School and then attended Stout Institute. She met and married Charles (Chuck) Thomas of Menomonie, WI in 1947 while continuing her studies, graduating in 1951 with a BS in Home Economics Education. Later, after teaching Home Economics at various high schools throughout the country, she returned to UW-Stout attaining her master’s degree in 1973. After graduation, she taught in the Home Economics Department at UW-Stout and later moved to the Career Planning & Placement office as a placement counselor. She was awarded the Outstanding Service Award for three consecutive years. She thoroughly loved her job and helped guide and support many students, continuing her friendships with some until long after her retirement in 1991. Ruth loved her family and her wildflowers, especially her Lady Slippers and Trilliums. She loved to cook, garden, play bridge and travel with friends, especially Donna and Arnold Piersall. She was very active in P.E.O., and the UCC church. She deeply cared for people and found great comfort in helping others. While her husband lived at the assisted living facility Care Partners, she started and organized a weekly church service for the residents there, continuing with the program even three years after her husband Chuck had passed away. Ruth is survived by her three children: Larry (Evelyn) Thomas of San Jose, CA; Lynn (Bruce) Peterson of Pepin, WI; and Paul (Shelley) Thomas of Roberts, WI; her sister Fern Crenshaw of Bend, OR; nine grandchildren: Brian (Angie) Tremblay, David (Lauren) Tremblay, Steven (Wendy) Tremblay, Jamie (Jason) Seeba, Rachel Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Rebecca Thomas, Allison Thomas, Russell Thomas; and 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Alex, Eugene and Charles and her sisters Bertha, Delores and Alice. Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at First Congregational Church-UCC in Menomonie with Pastor Kathleen Remund officiating. A reception will follow the services. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to P.E.O. Chapter AN, the United Church of Christ in Menomonie WI or the Stout Foundation. Cards can be mailed to Lynn Peterson, W8632 Sand Road, Pepin, WI 54759.