June 4, 2019 – West Bend, WI – Ruth Salter, 86, of West Bend passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, surrounded by family.
Ruth was born in West Bend on June 1, 1932, the oldest child of Angeline and Richard Michels.
Ruth attended West Bend High School and married the love of her life, Frank Salter, on September 26, 1953. She helped operate the family dairy farm in Germantown, WI and raise four children.
Frank and Ruth settled in West Bend, WI, where they remained active with dairy farming. She was the epitome of a servant mother, caring for her family with immeasurable patience and joy. Her devotion to her family made her a distinguished matriarch. Her food was always cooked to perfection, and she welcomed any one with open arms who stood on her doorpost, always making sure they were well fed before they left.
During retirement, Ruth and Frank focused their time on family, friends, and traveling. As a woman of great faith, her trust in the Lord set a profound example for all that knew her. Her quick wit and evident love for others made her a beautiful daughter, sister, wife and mother.
Ruth and Frank were able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary last year together at each other’s side. Their long and happy marriage is a true testament to the wonderful, loving foundation she built for her family.
Ruth joins her father and mother, son Patrick, and husband Frank amongst many other loved ones.
Ruth is survived by her three daughters Mary (Paul) Woldt of Sussex, Ann (Bob) Steilen of West Bend, and Kay (Kevin) Conley of West Bend; daughter-in-law Jamie (Bob) Mollwitz of Ohio; brother and sister-in-law James and Diane Michels; special cousin Jean Coffey, cousin-in-law Mike (June) Salter of California; nine grandchildren: Clair (Dan) Mills, Ryan (Stacey) Steilen, Patrick (Rachel) Salter, Kay (Nate) Laatsch, Kelly (Jake) Thompson, Colleen (Matt) Waech, Meghan (fiance Jake Armellani) Conley, Kara Conley, and Kieran Conley; and great-grandchildren: Ava, Camden, and Tenley Steilen, Luke and Chase Laatsch,Olivia, Henry and Pierce Mills; along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, June 7 at 1 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini with Rev. Andrew Infanger officiating. A private family burial will be held at Washington County Memorial Cemetery following Mass. Visitation will be at the church from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation is made to Ruth’s favorite organization, St. Jude’s which is committed to saving the lives of children and seeks to extend greater research into care for them and their families.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family.
Beautifully written!!! The only thing left out was how much she adored ALL of her grandchildren 😉