Ruth Marie Carlson

MINOCQUA, Wis. — Ruth Marie Carlson died peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, in Minocqua, encircled by family, at 95 years old. She had been a resident of both Grace Lodge Assisted Living in Rhinelander and Avanti Health and Rehabilitation Center in Minocqua.

Ruth was born on Jan. 21, 1918, in McKeesport, Penn., to George and Myrtle Taylor; she survived her sister Beatrice and brother Kenneth.

She married Orlo Hilmer Carlson of Plymouth Location, Wakefield, Mich., in 1942. They spent more than 50 wonderful years together, raising two children in Wakefield in their longtime family home. Ruth was a dedicated homemaker and deeply enjoyed spending time with her family at their cottage on Lake Gogebic in the Upper Peninsula.

Ruth is survived by her son, Kenneth Hilmer (Terri) Carlson, and daughter, Eileen Ruth (Steven) Srock; a sister-in-law, Odessa L. Carlson; her grandchildren, Jennifer Carlson (Andrew Zolli), Nathanael (Eliana) Carlson, Kristen Carlson, Hannah Carlson (Geoffrey Owusu-Appianti), Alan Srock and Katherine Srock; great-grandchildren, Emilia and Benjamin Zolli; and nephew and nieces, Kenneth, Patricia, Sandra and Kathleen.

Ruth was an avid and gifted seamstress, a talented crossword puzzle enthusiast, and much admired for her bowling skills, her piano playing, her banana bread and her delightful handcrafted gifts, among many other cherished memories. She will be deeply missed.

The funeral service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7937 U.S. 51 S., Minocqua, on Friday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dr. David Jensen will officiate.

She will lie in state for half an hour prior to the service.

There will be a private interment in Bessemer, Mich., at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ruth’s grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The Caring Ministries of Ascension Lutheran Church.

Range Funeral Service and the Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer are in charge of arrangements.