RACINE – Ruth Eileen Zager, 80, passed away on Wednesday May 8, 2013 at Ridgewood Care Center. She was born in Racine on March 17, 1933, daughter of the late William and Laura (Nee: Pansch) Bartholomew. Ruth was a 1951 graduate of Washington Park High School. She was married in 1979 to Richard E. Zager who proceeded in her in death in 1992.

Ruth was very proud of the fact that she opened Kohl's Food Store on Durand Avenue. She continued to work there for more than 20 years retiring in 1985. Following her retirement she enjoyed working in the Activities Department at Lincoln Lutheran Convalescence Center until 2010. She loved to read, play cards, watching the Brewers and the Packers, knit, and being with family and friends.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Terry Lamar, David (Charla Klinkhammer) Lamar, and Barbara (Kevin Murphy); four grandchildren, Cristopher and Nicholas Lamar, Katie and Karla Murphy; great-grandchildren, Abby, Brianna, Leah, Logan, Kevin all of Racine. She is further survived by her step-son Mark Zager of Madison; niece Margaret Fohr of Raymond; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and other friends. She was also preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Donald & Deeda Bartholomew; daughter-in-law Jane Lamar; and nephew Ronald Bartholomew.

Memorial services will be held in the funeral home at 5pm on Friday, May 10, 2013. Visitation will begin at 3pm and continue until the time of service. Ruth will be interred alongside her husband Richard in West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.