Racine – Ruth Grace (nee: Traeger) Estep, age 93, passed away peacefully at Harmony of Racine, located at 8600 Corporate Drive, on Friday evening, May 16, 2014.

Ruth was born in Racine on May 9, 1921 to the late William and Mamie (nee: Jensen) Traeger, Sr.  She attended Janes Elementary, Washington Junior High and graduated from William Horlick High School "Class of 1939". On July 13, 1946 she united in marriage with the love of her life, Lawrence M. Estep, of whom served our Country with the United States Army in WWII from 1942-45. Life just wasn't the same for Ruth after the death of Larry on October 1, 2012….they are finally together forever.

Many years ago, Ruth worked 10 years for Western Publishing and proudly served as the custodian at her beloved Emmaus Lutheran Church for 9 years. However, her main vocation was making a home for her husband and sons – a goal she completely accomplished and excelled at. Ruth and Larry were active members of Emmaus Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for over 20 years. Ruth was also a member of the Racine County Conservation League. Among her interests, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, embroidery work and cooking & baking – especially known for her scrumptious orange glazed donuts and fabulous fried chicken. Above all, Ruth loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family.

Surviving are her sons, Larry Estep, Jr. and Gary (Sheryl) Estep; grandson, Nicholas (Kati Bobke) Estep; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Prosser, Gladys Brown, Joyce Shaw and Loyse Shaw; nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her sisters, Isabelle (Al) Barry, Dorothy "Dot" (Bernard) Reilly, Helen (Robert) Anderson and Nancy (William) Jensen; brothers, William (Kaye) Traeger, Jr. and Harold (Beatrice) Traeger; Larry's parents, Charles and Lillie (nee: Sweeny) Estep; sisters-in-law, Mary Ward, Bernice Holland, Martha Ellen Gossnel and Geneva Gossnel; and brothers-in-law, Herman, Roscoe, Lemial, Wade and Edward Estep.

Funeral services will be held at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1925 Summit Avenue, on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 10:30 am with Rev. Mary Janz officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1925 Summit Avenue, on Tuesday evening from 4-7 pm and on Wednesday from 10:00 – 10:30 am. Memorials to Emmaus Lutheran Church have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, WFH-Hospice and to everyone at Harmony of Racine for the exceptional care and support; and to Pastor Mary Janz for the spiritual care given in our time of need and for the devoted friendship extended to our parents in years past. May God bless all of you!