Ruth E. Monis
May 24, 1911 - September 9, 2014
        

Oconomowoc, Ruth E. Monis

May 24, 1911 – Sept. 9, 2014 

Ruth Ellen Monis (nee Moldenhauer) passed away peacefully Sept. 9, 2014 at the age of 103. 

Ruth was born on May 24, 1911 in the Town of Ashippun, WI to Robert and Elizabeth (Douglas) Moldenhauer. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Moldenhauer; sister, Margaret Moldenhauer Daley Kettleson; and sister, Viola Moldenhauer Nelson.  She was also preceded in death by her cherished husband of 52 years, Thomas Lee Monis and her beloved grandson, Theodore Robert Monis. 

Ruth will be dearly missed by her son Thomas Robert Monis, daughter-in-law Barbara Monis (Welch) and granddaughter Cora Elizabeth Monis, as well as by her nieces, nephews, and their children, as well as her many friends, caring neighbors and fellow church members from Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. 

Ruth grew up in Alderley, WI. She graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1931 where she was among the first female students to ever be awarded a varsity letter in sports. She married Tom, the love of her life, on June 19, 1935 at St. Olaf’s Church. They moved with their son, Tom, to Oconomowoc in 1957.  She worked with Catherine Clark when she started the original Brownberry Bread Company, and baked bread there for over 20 years.  

She was an active family, community and church member, and was a cheerful and hard-working volunteer. She took great pride in her gardening abilities and was awarded Yard of the Month several times, and won many blue ribbons with the African Violet Society. She loved to bake and made many people happy with her cookies. 

She was proud to be independent and lived on her own in her home until the last week of her life. She even renewed her driver’s license in 2007 at the age of 96. 

Ruth was fortunate to live a long and happy life, and she shared her many gifts with all those she loved. 

Visitation will be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 to 11 a.m., with a service to follow.  Fellowship will follow with a lunch around noon. 

Burial services will take place at 3 p.m. at St. Olaf’s Church Cemetery.