~~      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.