Ruth A. Bianchi

HURLEY, Wis. - Ruth Arlove Bianchi, 93, Ironwood, died Nov. 11, 2020, after a brief illness. She was born April 29, 1927, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Stanley and Ann Dragosh.

As a child, Ruth's family moved from "the city" to a farm in Erwin Township. She enjoyed farm life, especially her pets and animals that lived in the barn and the woods. Her love of animals remained with her for life, and she particularly adored her "Precious" cat.

She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood and then continued her education obtaining a business degree from Gogebic Community College. Ruth later worked at the Ironwood Area Schools as a cook and custodian. She loved feeding everyone, both at work and at home! Her work ethic was incredible.

In May 1948, Ruth married Raymond Bianchi. They moved to a mining company house next to his parents in Newport Location and had five children: Ronald (Jessica) of Ironwood, Randall (Susan) of Green Bay, Rick (Cynthia) of Ironwood, and Renee (Scott Brooks) of Annandale, Minnesota.

Ruth was preceded in death by husband, Raymond (1996); and daughter, Roberta (2001) of Ironwood. Ruth is survived by her sister, Reena Yonkosky (Bob Hutcheson) of Cumming, Georgia; and also by her brother-in-law, Francis Bianchi (Shirley) of Ironwood.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Melissa Fahrner (Ken) of Ironwood; Christina Pansch (Scott) of Green Bay; Connor Cisewski (Annie) of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Ryan Cisewski of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Samantha Brooks of Mankato, Minnesota, and Alexandra Brooks of Mankato; great-grandchild, Zakoriah Zalewski of Ironwood; and several special nieces.

Ruth was a beautiful, caring, kind and loving person with unbelievable strength. Her family was everything to her. Her constant dedication to ensuring they were happy and cared for existed throughout her life. Her love went beyond her own family to the many friends that were always welcome in her home; always with a home cooked meal. She made sure no one left hungry! The daily leftovers were shared with all critters outside, so she had a large gathering of wildlife visiting daily for a meal.

After the death of her husband, Ruth spent time traveling with her sister, Reena, and husband, Bob.  She was able to visit France, Finland and Sweden with them to enjoy the sights and food.

Anyone who knew Ruth was touched by her quiet strength and selflessness. She truly demonstrated the meaning of unconditional love. Every phone call was asking about the wellbeing of her family and friends. No detail of your life was too small to share with her. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo and her nightly sip of brandy. It was obvious she took joy in every small interaction with her family; always telling them she loved them. Her amazing legacy will live on with her family and friends.

We have been blessed to have our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother for so many years, she will be greatly missed by all of us.

The family would like to thank the dedicated and amazing staff at Sky View Nursing Home. They provided a true gift at this difficult time, showing care and love for our mother.

As per Ruth's wishes, cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest in Ironwood with Raymond and Roberta. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take a moment to thank the care givers in our community and especially those at Sky View Nursing Home. Monetary donations may be sent to 226 Mineral Road, Ironwood, MI 49938, to be used to help bring a joyful holiday to the residents of Sky View Nursing Home.