Ruth E. Foley

Surrounded by her loving family, Ruth E. Foley, age 93, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at St. Monica’s Senior Living. A lifelong resident of Racine, Ruth was born September 25, 1920, daughter of the late I.H. and Winifred (Nee: Cape) Dunham.

Ruth graduated from St. Catherine’s High School, attended Mt. Mary College, and graduated from Marquette University Law School. She was one of the first 150 women admitted to practice law in the State of Wisconsin. An established lawyer, Ruth practiced law for many years in Racine.

On December 9, 1944 in Racine she was united in marriage to Jerome J. Foley who preceded her in death, October 2, 1984. She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s by the Lake Catholic Church. Ruth was very active in Racine community service for many years. She will be fondly remembered for her dry sense of humor, her love of bicycling, great love for traveling, as an enthusiastic bridge player, and passionate reader. Above all, she had a strong devotion to her family and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her children, Mary (C. Judley) Wyant of Racine, Anne Foley of Chicago, IL, Joseph (Diane) Foley of West Hartford, CT; her grandchildren, Toby, Molly and Peter (Leah) Wyant, Jack and Tim Foley; sister, Mary Smith of St. Petersburg, FL; sisters-in-law, Patricia Foley and Karolyn Foley, both of Racine; brother-in-law, Richard Roberts of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her brothers and sister, Allen Dunham, John Dunham, Charles Dunham, and Dorothy Roberts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s by the Lake Catholic Church, 7605 Lakeshore Drive, with Rev. Stephen Stradinger officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. Private interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to the Racine Public Library Foundation, St. Catherine’s High School, or to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

Ruth’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staffs at St. Monica’s Senior Living and Compassionate Care Hospice for their dignified and loving care.