SPARTA-Ruth E. Ebert, 94, of Sparta, was welcomed into Heaven on Sunday, April 21, 2024. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her children at Pigeon Falls Health Care Center where she had been a beloved resident for the past 3 years. Ruth was born on April 19, 1930 in Angelo, WI to Victor Dewey and Carrie Leila (Shaw) Hughes. She grew up in Angelo and graduated from Sparta High School in 1947.
On June 5, 1948, Ruth married Merlin Ebert in Sparta, WI and they became life-long members of the Sparta United Methodist Church. They were blessed with three children: Margaret (Margy), Ronald (Ron), and Mark. Over the years Ruth worked in both the retail world and the accounting field where she retired from bookkeeping at Ebert’s Badger Paint in Sparta.
Ruth’s family’s wellbeing was a primary focus and concern right up to the day of her passing. She always wanted to know that everyone was doing OK. This brought her great comfort, joy and blessings. She was kind, devoted, loving, social, grateful and well-known throughout the Sparta community.
Ruth enjoyed playing games and cards, especially Bridge, with family and friends. She bowled league for many years and was a proud co-sponsor of the Ebert’s Badger Paint team.
Ruth gave freely of her time whether it was by helping family and friends or organizations that she belonged to:
She was a member of the Mineral Springs Rebekah Lodge #41 for more than 50 years serving as Chaplain in Sparta for 35 years and 2 years as State Assembly Chaplain; Ruth was a member of the Sparta Eagles Auxiliary #2833 since 1987 and also a member of the Eastern Star; in addition, Ruth also served on several committees in the United Methodist Church of Sparta, was an avid supporter/worker for the American Red Cross Blood bank and donated more than 16 gallons of blood.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Margy Heath, and sons, Ron (Denise) Ebert and Mark (Sherry) Ebert; grandchildren, Carrie (Kevin) McLain, Cassie (Carl) Smiskey, Crystal (Ryan) Johnson, Ron (Kandi) Ebert, Jr., Christopher Ebert, Dalton Ebert, and Cordell Ebert; great grandchildren, Marisa (Josiah) Kleven, Kayla (Harlan Glenn III) Reinders, and Collin McLain, Madeline McLain-Heath, Heath, Charlie, Maggy, and Garrett Johnson, K’Lynn Friemoth, Aubrey, Josh, and Lily Ebert; great-great grandson Ezekiel Kleven and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Carrie Hughes; husband, Merlin; infant brother, Richard Hughes; brothers, Douglas and Robert Hughes; sister, Margaret (Hughes) Gollnik; favorite son-in-law, Gary Heath; granddaughters, Courtney, Candace, and Charity Heath.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at United Methodist Church, Sparta, with Reverend Hae-Jeong Yoon officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth’s memory to United Methodist Church, Sparta Area Cancer Society (SACS), or the Sparta Area Fire District. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
