Ruth A. Beaver, 82 of Tomah passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Our Town Tomah. She was born on October 31, 1943, To Edward J. and Georgia R. (Vinopal) Gardner in Mauston.
Ruth graduated from St. Patrick’s Parish Madonna High School in 1962. While working as a medical records technician in Mauston, she met a fellow employee, Wilfred “Wil” Beaver. Ruth knew from the moment they met that she had found her future, and on June 24, 1972, they were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mauston.
Because Wil worked as a shoe salesman, the couple traveled throughout the Midwest. Along the way, Ruth worked for a variety of companies, primarily in secretarial roles. In the 1970s, she worked for a company that manufactured Mark 46 torpedoes for the Navy, at a garment factory in La Crosse, and at an Episcopal church. While living in St. Cloud, Minnesota, she also taught CCD to kindergarten children.
Ruth was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. After she left a position in St. Louis, she was told that it took five people to take over the work she had done. For a time, Ruth and Wil lived in Red Wing, Minnesota. Among Ruth’s fondest memories were visits from Wil’s sister, Anna Mae, and her Red Hat Society friends, who would come to shop and have their shoes fitted. Their visits were filled with fun and laughter.
Ruth’s faith was near and dear to her heart and remained a guiding presence throughout her life. She was a lifelong, devoted member of the Catholic Church and an active parishioner at Queen of the Apostles Parish. Her unwavering faith was a source of strength, comfort, and joy, and she faithfully dedicated her time and talents to her church community.
Ruth will be remembered for her determination, her willingness to help others, her impeccable penmanship, her delicious deviled eggs, and the unconditional love she gave her nieces and nephews, whom she cherished as her own.
She is survived by her husband Wilfred “Wil” of Tomah; siblings, Tom (Char) Gardner and Mike (Dawn) Gardner all of Mauston; sisters-in-law, Ellen Gardner of Elroy, Laurie Noet of Tomah and Anna Mae Rudolph of Tomah. She is further survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Gary.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11:00 Am at Queen of Apostles Parish, 303 W. Monroe Street, Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Burial will be in the Spring in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tomah.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM.
A Luncheon will follow the service at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 202 E. Juneau Street, Tomah.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangement. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Memorial’s in Ruth’s memory can be given to Queen of the Apostles Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic School and mass offerings.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
