Feb. 7, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Ruth A. Little (nee Stockhausen) age 90 of West Bend died peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Cedar Bay West. She was born May 26, 1926 in Milwaukee to Erwin and Marie (nee Klima) Stockhausen and married the love of her life, James P. Little on September 9, 1950 in Milwaukee. Jim preceded her in death on November 8, 1987.
Ruth embraced her roles throughout the years as a devoted Wife, caring big Sister, loving faith-filled Mother, thoughtful Aunt and Cousin, a gracious and generous fun-filled Grandmother, and finally a super-cool Great Grandmother. She worked as a homemaker, librarian, and office operative. Ruth also had several volunteer roles with Meals on Wheels, Hospital volunteer, Eucharistic Minister, and took part in Holy Hill Eucharistic Adoration Hours. She aided in organizing libraries for the Threshold, Samaritan Home, and St. Frances Cabrini Parish. Ruth beaded rosaries for Our Lady’s Rosary Makers. She was a Member of Schoenstatt Prayer Group. In her “playtime” she enjoyed her Pokeno card club, all Wisconsin sports, and was a Jeopardy and crossword puzzle wiz. Ruth cycled 8931 miles on her stationary bicycle. She never said “no” to travel, and enjoyed attending several Navy reunions, with Jim, family, and friend Billie Herring.
Ruth is survived by her 6 children: Anne (Les) Wright, Paul (Janice) Little, Joan (Randy) Rolfs, Marge (Bob) Reilly, Mary (Lenny) Riemersma and Joyce (Matt) Draxler and 14 grandchildren: Benjamen James Wright, Laina (Tyler) Hudson, Pam (Nate) Stieve, Bryan (Sarah) Rolfs, Janine (Alex) Nigl, Adam Rolfs, Jessica (Brandon) Lewis, Stephanie Little, Mitchell (Cyndi) Draxler, James (Amanda) Draxler, Karen Reilly, Matt Reilly, Allison Reilly and Sarah Reilly. She is further survived by 23 great-grandchildren, her brother Ralph (Melba) Stockhausen, and nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Marie Stockhausen, her husband James, brothers-in-law, William Little Sr. and Julian Himes sisters-in-law Margaret Himes and Sarah Little and her nephew. William Little Jr., Great Niece Amy Dusza, Great Nephew Anthony Dusza.
A heartfelt thank-you to Ruth’s special and humble friend, Mary Ann Kress, who faithfully supported Ruth and family during those blessed final hours. Appreciation as well, to her thoughtful childhood friend and Maid of Honor, Dot Sheehan, who was with her in prayer. Thank you also to the many outstanding and prayerful Cedar Bay West /caregivers, and the Holy Angels and Schoenstatt “families”.
In Thanksgiving for Ruth’s 90 years, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend with Rev. Jerome Repenshek presiding. Burial will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery. The family will greet visitors on Friday, February 10th from 4:00 p.m. until a prayer vigil at 6:00 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend and also on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. at Holy Angels Church. In lieu of flowers memorials to Schoenstatt Shrine in Waukesha or Cedar Community, in West Bend are appreciated.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family.