RUTH A. STERN

Ruth Angeline Stern, 84, Waterford, died March 8, 2012. She was born June 4, 1927, to the late Joseph and Dora (Esser) Schmidt in Menomonee Falls, where she spent her early life and attended St. Mary Grade School.

On Sept. 21, 1946, she married the late Walter Stern, with whom she raised seven children, Donald (Virginia) of Menomonee Falls, Barbara (Oswald) Markeland of Germantown, Shirlee (Barry) Nelson, Trempealeau, Kristy (Dusan) Pavlovich, Waterford, Jeffrey (Jackie), Racine, Steven, Litchfield Park, Ariz., Christopher (Jacki), Franklin; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

In 1968 they left their home in Menomonee Falls and relocated to Waterford, where they both worked for many years at Schmidt Sentry Foods. In her retirement years, she dedicated much time to her business “Ruthie’s Fun Tours,” combining her love of travel, bingo and country-western music, and introducing her to many of her dear friends. She retired her business after 25 years. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Henzri-Schneider American Legion Auxiliary and a resident of Waterford Senior Living.

Survivors include her children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters, Delores Bernarde and Joan Rundle; brother, Daniel Schmidt; nieces; nephews; many dear relatives and friends.

She was further preceded in death by her six sisters; four brothers; and her granddaughter, Molly Ruth Stern.

Visitation is Wednesday, March 14, from 4-8 p.m., at Mealy Funeral Home, 225 W. Main St. Waterford, with remembrance and vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation is also Thursday, March 15, in church from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. March 15, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery following Mass.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to either St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or The American Diabetes Association.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the staff of Waterford Senior Living, Kim Dusczak APNP and staff, and all of those who touched her life with love and friendship these past years.