Obit: Benn, Ruth Lillian (1917 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Benn, Davidson, Krueger, Leffel, Lueck, Meyer

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 2/27/2014

Benn, Ruth Lillian (Leffel) (28 AUG 1917 - 23 FEB 2014)

Ruth Lillian Benn, age 96, of Schofield, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014 at Mount View Care Center in Wausau.

Ruth was born on August 28, 1917 in Colby to the late Henry and Dorothy (Meyer) Leffel Sr. She married Ernest A. Benn on June 29, 1940 in Medford. He preceded her in death on November 24, 1965. After leaving the farm in 1966, Ruth enjoyed working at NCTI-Studio B, nurse's department as a cleaner until she retired in 1983.

Ruth lived on and loved farm life with her husband all their married years. She loved working in the fields, milking cows, doing all farm "chores" and still made time for her household and children. She loved seeing Grandpa and Aunt Bernie driving in the yard on a Sunday, or Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis with their four daughters from Schofield, or Aunt Alma and Uncle Bill from Marshfield, and many other relations far too numerous to mention. Somehow with all the "chores" that needed to be done, she still had time to bake wonderful bread and make her delicious cloverleaf rolls, she always made more than enough food to go around. Hunting season was always special, happy times including family and friends as far away as Milwaukee and Maine. Ruth enjoyed going on trips to Las Vegas with her lovely friend Eva. She was always welcoming, smiling, and we never heard her complain once.

Ruth is survived by her children, Ernest (Mary) Benn, Charles (Patricia) Benn, both of Kronenwetter, and Charlene Krueger of Minocqua; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Ruth is preceded in death by her siblings, Henry Leffel Jr., Lucille Lueck and Bernita Leffel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 at St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1351 S. Grand Ave., Wausau. The Rev. Walter Davidson will officiate the celebration. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery II in Medford. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Special thank you to Mechelle and Sandra Krueger who provided much of their grandmother's care during her final years at her home in Schofield, and many thanks to all the caregivers at Mount View Care Facility. This was very much appreciated.

Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.