Ruth Williams Bennett

Ruth Williams Bennett, age 97, passed away peacefully on Sept 7, 2023. Ruth was born March 28, 1926, in Glen Flora, WI., daughter of Ethel and Roy Biller. She had seven siblings with whom she remained extremely close throughout their lives: Ervin, Lyle, Raymond, Clayton, Vernon, Robert, and Joyce. Ruth studied nursing in Brownsville, Texas, but returned to northern Wisconsin to be close to her extended family and at the same time raise her own.  She worked as a registered hospital nurse, later becoming school nurse for the
Ladysmith school system and then the Rusk County school district.

Ruth was a talented, prolific painter and artist, and studied art and art history throughout her adult life. Wisconsin rural landscapes and still lifes were among her favorite subjects. She was also an avid collector of antiques, illustrated books, and quilts. Tending her flower gardens on her ten acre property gave her great pleasure, as did walks through the wooded property. She followed the annual migrations of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, many of them making stopovers on the pond behind her home. Ruth stayed physically active most of her life, enjoying downhill skiing— where she became a member of the ski patrol at Blue Hills Ski Area, figure skating, and daily walks in winter and summer. In her 70’s she took up yoga. Ruth loved to travel, whether to Minneapolis, Montreal, the Pacific Northwest, or to Italy and France, fondly following the footsteps of the Impressionist painters she admired.

Ruth was a generous and loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend. Those who knew her felt she exhibited a rare blend of beauty, intelligence, toughness, and grace, alongside a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh. She is survived by her three sons: Zane Williams (Mary), Mark Williams (Sandy), Jerry Williams, daughter-in-law Joan Williams; three wonderful grandchildren: Kyle Williams (Katie), Jessie Klehfoth (Steve), Jackson Williams (Melissa); and three great-grandchildren: Emma Williams, Alex Williams, and Colby Klehfoth.

Ruth was preceded in death by her second husband Ralph P. Bennett, and by her first husband, Zane B. Williams, Jr.  There will be no formal funeral services.  Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family.  On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfuneralhome.com
 

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff and care-givers at Cardinal Ridge Residences, for their care during Ruth's time in Sturgeon Bay.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.