Ruth H. Willard age 70 of the Township of Springbrook, Washburn County, WI, formerly of Menomonie, passed away at her home on Sunday November 2, 2014.

Ruth was born March 14, 1944 in Star Prairie, WI.  She was the daughter of Howard A and Margaret A. (Gust). Krueger.  Ruth grew up in the Star Prairie area, graduating from New Richmond High School in 1962.  Ruth attended and graduated from the Charles T. Miller Hospital School of Practical Nursing in St. Paul, MN in 1964.  Ruth married Ronald Prause and they had had two daughters and later divorced.  Ruth met her husband, Dr. James Willard in 1979. 

Ruth’s career included a variety of nursing and medical sales positions, retiring from the American Red Cross in 2005.  As a pass time, Ruth enjoyed camping, canoeing, gardening, canning.  This love for nature led her to her last residence, a cabin in the woods on Bean Brook in the Township of Springbrook in Washburn County.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Ranae (John) Walter of Menomonie; Rhonda (Robert) Iverson of Beldenville; an adopted daughter, Terri (Joe) Davis of Cutler, ME; step children, Wanda (Monte) Grondahl of Gig Harbor, WA; Carl (Judy Polasky) Willard of Hudson; seven grandchildren, Jake, Sam, Ryan, Cody, Justin, Tristin and Cadence; three great grandchildren, Liam, Addisyn and Landyn; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim in 2011, a sister Mary Louise Nichols; step son, Ken Willard

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Friday November 7, 2014 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Menomonie with Rev. Sharon Rigby Osborn officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM Friday at the church.

Additional Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday November 8, 2014 at the Namekagon Congregational United Church of Christ in Earl, Wisconsin with Rev. Sharon Rigby Osborn officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Condolences

1. Linda Alvarez November 7, 2014, at 9:25am

   Dear Willard Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I felt great sadness when Jim walked on and now Ruthie joining him must leave a great absence for all of you. Ruth and Jim had literally saved my life when I had no will or reason to continue. Even though I heard from them infrequently over the years, I have tried to be a contributor and a better person, in part, in gratitude to the love, wisdom and care they shared with me. May God bless you all. Please be comforted that they will live on lovingly in the many lives they touched. Sincerely, Linda Alvarez

2. Jeanette & Bruce Prausr November 6, 2014, at 1:13pm

   Sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She in now with her Lord & Savior. God bless her memory. Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. May God give you strength & understanding. God Bless.

3. Tia November 6, 2014, at 11:21am

   I am so sorry to hear of your loss! :o( You are all in my thoughts and prayers! she was a beautiful person & I have very fond memories of her!

4. N perez November 6, 2014, at 8:43am

   I am so sorry to have read of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Something that I have personally found to be of great comfort is what the Bible says at John 5:28, 29 as well as Revelation 21:4. These verses show us that soon God is going to bring about a resurrection of our loved ones as well as do away with all causes we have for suffering including sickness and death. Knowing this has always comforted me and it is my sincere hope that these thoughts comfort your family as well. Again I am so sorry for your loss.

5. Brian Werner November 6, 2014, at 5:04am

   I'm very sorry for your loss. Ruth is in a beautiful place.

6. Rick & Dawn Bancroft November 5, 2014, at 2:42pm

   Hello Rhonda & Bob-
   We were so sad to hear of this news. Through you, we followed your mom through her health challenges but were also to learn about her as a Mother. We now wish her peace. We pray for you both and your family.
   Rick & Dawn Bancroft

7. Greg and Bonnie November 4, 2014, at 11:54am

   We are thinking of you and your family Rhonda and Bob! Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way. We know your Mom will be missed.

8. Deb and Steve November 4, 2014, at 6:19am

   Rhonda, Bob and family....

   Please know our thoughts are with you. Ruth was an amazing person and will be missed! Our thoughts are with you.....sending our love and sympathies.....

   Steve and Deb

9. marilyn knutson November 3, 2014, at 7:15pm

   My sincere sympathy to you all. I will miss my trips to the cabin and our lunches at the wine shoppe. Most of all I will miss her friendship. Thanks to Renae and Rhonda for your faithful and wonderful care of your mom. Hugs..Marilyn Knutson

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