Ruth E. Fox

With a thirst for life that never ran dry, Ruth Fox squeezed every last drop out of each and every day. Known for her quick wit and infectious smile, all would agree that life was better when she was around. Ruth was a faith-filled woman who was content in all things even though life was not without its challenges for her. She was fiercely independent and someone who was willing to work hard well into her sunset years. When Ruth loved she loved deeply, and there was no greater gift in her life than her family. She was a social butterfly with many friends whom she viewed as priceless treasures. The legacy Ruth leaves behind is one of perseverance, graciousness, and true beauty that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who will embrace her memory.

The 1920s were a vibrant time in America fueled by innovation that was taking us places we had never been. We soared in the sky with Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, took in shows on Broadway in record numbers, and purchased things such as radios and automobiles that became more affordable thanks to the assembly line. Nestled within this colorful decade was the year 1923 that brought great joy to one young family from Mondovi, Wisconsin, since they celebrated the birth of a baby girl on April 27th. Ruth was welcomed into the world by her parents, Robert and Ester Strommen, and was the first of seven children in her family. The Strommens were farmers who struggled during the Great Depression of the thirties like so many other American families. They moved around a lot depending on where they could find work, and from an early age Ruth and her siblings worked during the summers as well in order to help make ends meet. Ruth was born with a cleft pallet, but overcoming this challenge only made her a stronger person.

New and exciting changes were in store for Ruth when she and a friend were looking to hitch a ride downtown to go roller skating as young teens. A young man named William Fox offered them a ride and as fate would have it, sparks flew between Ruth and Bill. A romance ensued and after falling in love the couple married on October 13, 1939.

Ruth was just 16 when she married and at 17 she delivered her first of eight children. Adjusting to life as a wife and mother so quickly was a rather big undertaking for such a young girl.

In addition to caring for her family Ruth worked outside the home. Although it wouldn’t have necessarily been her first choice, Ruth made a career working in factories with many years being spent at Motor Specialty and seventeen years at Ametek. She was a hard worker who made lifelong friendships with her coworkers. For several years Ruth worked alongside Jenny, Diane, and Lisa who said, “Ruth outworked all of us; she had one speed and that was fast!” Although she retired when she was 67, Ruth grew restless and returned to Ametek where she worked part-time on third shift. After retiring the second time, Ruth again grew restless and worked alongside her daughter and best friend, Barbara, cleaning houses. It was hard work, but they enjoyed the opportunity to share quality time together and countless laughs as well.

After Bill’s death in 1986, Ruth came to embrace the Christian faith. Her daughter Barbara was an active member of Grace Church, and she introduced Ruth to the church both for support and the opportunity to get involved in activities they could do together. Ruth attended Bible studies, read the Bible, and attended services and activities until her health no longer allowed. She firmly believed in God’s sovereignty and found such peace in placing her life in God’s hands.

There was nothing that was more important to Ruth than the people in her life. When Bill was still alive Ruth loved the trip they took along with Jenny and her husband to Las Vegas where priceless memories were made. For many years, she gathered her extended family together each summer for the annual family reunion. It was so special that Ruth celebrated her retirement with a big party where everyone showed up – even Elvis! Her retirement years provided Ruth with several opportunities to travel with loved ones including to Memphis and Graceland where she satiated her love for all things Elvis, and she also went to Nashville for a country music festival with Bonnie and Billie. Ruth visited the Grand Ole Opry with Jenny, Barb, Evelyn, and Diane and went to Lake Poygan to fish and camp with her son Bill and his family. She went to Arizona to stay with Susie for the summer and then again with Jenny and her husband, Rich, and a trip abroad to the Cayman Islands to attend Billie’s wedding. Ruth enjoyed going to North Carolina to visit Billie and holiday dinners spent with her granddaughter, Dana, and her family.

When she had free time, Ruth enjoyed many things. She loved reading novels, bowling, and fishing. Ruth crocheted countless blankets that she gave away as gifts and enjoyed playing cards – as long as she wasn’t losing!

Ruth Fox was a gift given to those around her as she had a beautiful spirit and was so filled with love. She was outgoing and blessed with a quiet strength that carried her through some of life’s toughest challenges. Ruth will be remembered for her sparkling smile, her strong work ethic, and her abiding faith, but it will be her unending devotion to her family and friends for which she will be missed most.

Ruth E. Fox, “Foxy” died on Sunday, March 13, 2011. Ruth’s family includes her children, Genevieve (Richard) Garski of Kenosha, Michael (Gail) Fox of Prairie du chien, WI, Evelyn Shore of Racine; her daughters-in-law, Jerilyn Fox of Racine, Bonnie Fox of Kenosha; 15 grandchildren, Debbie (Patrick) McMichael, Diane Macareno, Jeff Garski, Lisa Koehn, Ricky Garski, Dana (Rick) Frederick, Billie (Ernie) Spevak, Mark (Tina) Fox, Tina Fox, Chad Fox, Kimberly Shore, Tammy Matson, Jim (Eva) Fox, Michael Eickhorst, Nicole (Artie) Scola; 22 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Berdella) Strommen of Rockford, IL; sisters, Shirley Recupero of Racine, Evelyn Josline of Birchwood, WI, Dorothy (Frank) Fumo of Racine; brother-in-law, Joseph St. Thomas of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; children, James Fox, David Fox, Norma Jean Fox, Barbara Graceffa, William Fox Jr.; grandson, Michael Fox; son-in-law, Edward Shore; her brother, Alger (Ella) Strommen; and her sister, Betty St. Thomas. Complete services will be held Thursday, March 17, 2011 at Grace Church, 3626 Hwy 31. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:30 with Pastor Jim Olson officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the guestbook. Arrangements provided by MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME, 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403, (262) 634-7888