Ruth Elaine (Ringle) Paul

Ruth E. (Ringle) Paul

92, Edgar, died Friday December 29, 2023, at Copperleaf Assisted Living in Marathon.

She was born on April 19, 1931, in Edgar, daughter of Agnes (Worzella) and Ervin Ringle. On September 4, 1954, she married Merlin E. Paul, who preceded her in death in December 2009.

Ruth lived her life with an “attitude of gratitude” towards the many blessings she had in life, especially her family, friends, and faith. She grew up in Edgar, graduating from Edgar High School in 1948, and then graduating from Milwaukee Lutheran School of Nursing. She loved to tell of her experiences working as a Registered Nurse--at times tending to some of the Milwaukee Braves baseball players. It was in Milwaukee, while inquiring about a ride to Edgar, that she met Merlin and ”the rest is history”. They were married at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. After leaving Milwaukee, living in Edgar and then Wausau, they purchased a Rib Falls dairy farm, where Ruth was both homemaker and a partner in the business. They sold the farm in 1984 and moved into a Rib Falls home that they built. In 1995, they moved to Edgar. Living in town allowed Ruth to provide care for her parents. She also served as an election worker, volunteered driving Meals on Wheels, administered Red Cross blood pressure screenings, and was active in the American Legion Auxiliary. Throughout her adult life she was very active in the music ministries at St. Stephen. Her passions included playing the piano (self-taught), reading, writing letters, socializing, and finding any excuse to offer ice cream or treats to visitors. Throughout her life she stayed active, always moving around—except for those brief daily naps after lunchtime.

Ruth is survived by her children, David (Kimberly) Paul, Stephanie (Greg) Lindholm, Philip (Joan) Paul, Keith (Anne) Paul; six grandchildren, Kelly, Erin, Alyssa, Lucas, Elizabeth, and Katherine; two great-grandchildren, Harriet and Gideon; her sisters, Grace (Robert) Reed, Joan (Donald-deceased) Beckman, and Bernice (Patrick) Seifried; sister-in-law / brother-in-law Carolla (Paul) and Walter Gust; and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Edward Ringle.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Ruth’s sisters & relatives, friends, neighbors, Copperleaf staff, Pastor Gail, and Debbie Marzynski for their loving support.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 12, 2024 starting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Edgar, with the funeral service starting at 12:00 p.m. noon.  The Reverend Gail Sowell will officiate.  Burial at the Edgar Cemetery will immediately follow the funeral service; afterwards luncheon will be served in St. Stephen’s basement.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Edgar Circle of Joy or the St. Stephen Project Fund.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com