~~ Ruth Anne Wilson, 84, passed away peacefully at Harmony Commons on Saturday, January 31, 2015 with her family at her side. She was born in Sparta, WI on September 9, 1930, the daughter of the late Irvin and Minnie (nee: Jones) Root.
She met the love of her life, Ivan Wilson, at CC Club at Moody Memorial Church in Chicago. They were married in the Zion EUB Church in Sparta on September 4, 1954, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past September. After years as a homemaker, in 1976 the Wilsons purchased the A & W root beer stand on 12th Street where Ruth Anne served hamburgers, fries and smiles for fourteen years. She was a longtime and very active member of Calvary Memorial Church. With a servant’s heart, over the years she taught Sunday School, was a leader in Pioneer Girls, worked in the nursery, was active in Calvary Missionary Society, and worked with teenage mothers, among many other service activities. She was known for her constant smile, gentle spirit, and caring respect for others.
Surviving and cherishing her memory are her husband, Ivan; their children, Judith Wilson, of Freedom, WI, Norman (Tarja) Wilson, of Mechanicsburg, PA, Stephen (Tammi) Wilson, of Racine, and Kathryn Wilson, of Kent, OH; seven grandchildren, Sarah, Thomas, Courtney, Jacob, Elizabeth, Christopher, and David; sister, Marita Root, of Downers Grove, IL and brother, Harold Root, of Roseville, MN. Her nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and other relatives and friends will also all hold her memory in their hearts. In addition to her parents, Ruth Anne was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Wilson, grandson, James Wilson, brothers, Wesley and Norman Root, and sister, Lois Ness.
Her funeral service will be held at Calvary Memorial Church, 4001 Washington Ave., on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Nathan James officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Monday, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday, from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Private burial will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI. For those who wish to make a memorial, the family suggested memorials to Calvary Memorial Church or to a charity of your choice.
Kathy Baker & Kim O'Brien says
Our deepest and sincere condolences to Kathy and her entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Olevia Taylor says
Sorry to read of the loss of your dear wife,mother and grandmother and friend. May knowing that other care about your great loss and the love of God comfort you.Acts 24:15
Corinne (Ness) Olsen says
Remembering Aunt Ruth Anne with love & many happy memories. She had the sweetest spirit. Will look forward to seeing her again in Heaven! Love & prayers to the family. Jay & Corinne Olsen
Tim Ness says
Aunt Ruth Anne will always be remembered for her kindness and compassion. She was so sweet to me as a little kid. I always felt completely safe when she was in the room.
She was truly a divine light in this world.
Sue Grueter says
I’m saddened by the loss of your mother/aunt/friend, but am delighted she was a believer in Our Savior, because He promises to make a place in Heaven for all those who believe in Him. What a beautiful picture of her. I remember her gentle personality & happy smile whenever she’d stop in to Azura Memory Care to pick up her son, Bruce, to take him out for a chocolate malt (his favorite treat) with her husband. I always thought she was a sweetheart.