Ruth “Ruthie” Paul, age 102, of Montfort, Wisconsin, died peacefully at home on July 3, 2021. She was born on a farm in Eden Township outside Montfort on January 6, 1919 to Vurl Heller and Hazel Biddick Heller.
Ruth met Silas Paul of LaFarge at Platteville State Teachers College and they married in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 17, 1944, where he was stationed with the Army Air Corps. After graduation from college Ruth taught high school English in Spring Green for a few years. From 1953 to 1969 she and Si owned and operated the Heller-Paul Grocery in Montfort. After retiring Ruth enjoyed traveling, gardening and reading. No one knew more about the history of Montfort than she did. Ruth had many friends of all ages, loved to visit with them, and was an attentive listener. She was a lifelong member of the Montfort United Methodist Church. A faithful Packer and Badger fan, she enjoyed all sports, especially football and basketball.
Ruth was a beloved mother and aunt. Her greatest joy was to have her daughters with her. She will be remembered for her sweet smile, her kindness, and her gentle sense of humor. We will forever look to her example of how to embrace life with grace whatever joys and challenges life holds.
Survivors include her daughters Nancy Paul (Bill Ebbott) and Sara Paul (Larry Moore), several dear nieces and nephews and special friends: Peggy, Penny, Mary Ann, Bernie, Adam and Lisa.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Silas, her parents, her parents-in-law James and Florence Paul, her sister Elizabeth “Beth” (Tom) Barton, sisters-in-law Betty (Orvin) Buros and Mary (Albert) Jacobs, and one nephew.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 18, at the Montfort United Methodist Church at 11:00. Friends may call from 10:00 until the time of the service. A private burial will be at a later date.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Rachel Hartline, Dr. John Lehman and the wonderful staffs at Upland Hills Montfort Clinic, Upland Hills Hospital, and Upland Hills Home Care and Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate care of Mom and their support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s name to the Montfort Rescue Squad, the Iowa-Grant Education Foundation or the American Heart Association.
The Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort is assisting the family.