Racine – Patricia Lynne (nee: Ustymowicz) Ruud, 68, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of her family, on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 following a 5-year battle of complications from a stroke. Pat was born in Racine on August 20, 1941 to the late Frank and Ruth (nee: Anderson) Ustymowicz. She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1959. On July 4, 1959 in Holy Communion Lutheran Church, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Jerome C. “Jerry” Ruud. Pat was a extremely proud member of Fifth Street Yacht Club where she had served as the House Mouse for several years. She was also a member of Salmon Unlimited and Fifth Street Yacht Club Women’s Auxiliary. Pat assisted her beloved Jerry in landing the Grand Prize winning fish of Coho-A-Rama (Kenosha) in 1985 and faithfully supported Jerry during his tenure as Secretary Treasurer of the Racine Bowling Association. In addition to boating and fishing on Lake Michigan, Pat enjoyed crocheting and visiting with friends at the Yacht Club. Above all, she was a terrific wife, loving mother and awesome grandmother who loved nothing more than being in the midst of her family. Surviving are her loving husband of 50 years, Jerry; daughters, Sherri Hilliard and Shelly (Dean) Holewinski; grandchildren, Dorothy, Kenneth and Rebecca Mitchell; sisters, Laurie (David) Krenzke and Bette Kreul; brothers-in-law, Wayne (Judith) Ruud and Robert (Kyle) Ruud; aunt, Ruth Fergus; uncle, James Anderson; and many other dear relatives, extended family members of the yacht club, and friends – too numerous to mention all by name. Funeral services will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 9:00 am with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. Interment will follow in Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 5-8 pm and on Saturday from 8-9 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Pat’s family has been suggested. A special note of thanks to Dr. Bruce Luccas and staff – especially Juan. Also, heartfelt thanks to special caretakers – Jill Z., Nurse Carol and Nurse Amy; Lab Technicians – Nicole and Debbie; Dr. Jay; and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for all their compassionate care and support; and to Pat’s devoted friends – Judy Weisbrod, Chuck and Lois Kaplan, Andy and Joan Perman, Roy and Kathie Glenzer, Bob and Jeanne O’Brien, Jim and Debbie Muleski – for being there for Pat.
Bruce and Cindy Meekma says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jerry. She will be miss by many. We will try to stop at the funeral home on friday!!
Thinking of you always,
Love,
Bruce and Cindy Meekma
Amy Walther says
Jerry and family,
May God be with you and your family! Pat will be truly missed-I loved coming to see you and Pat and will miss her fabulous sense of humor! You are in our prayers. It was an honor and a pleasure to be able to help you when you needed us and I thank you for sharing Pat with myself Carol Jill and other staff!
Amy W.
Paulette Metzger says
Sherri & Family, my prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Losing someone you love is never easy, regardless of the circumstances. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Love and prayers..Paulette and Jim
Heather (Campbell) Kammien says
Jerry & Family,
Much of my time spent at Fifth St involved Jerry & Pat. One thing that stood out to me always was the love that they had for each other and Pat often retold the story of her first meeting Jerry as a very little girl wearing only pants and a hat! Good memories!
May time heal what words cannot express.
All our love,
Heather ( Campbell) & Jack Kammien Family