Ruth Baker, 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, surrounded by family at Newton Memorial Hospital.
Ruth was born in Wilton, Wis. to the late Earnest H. Rogge and Evelyn (Farmer) Rogge. Upon graduating Wonewoc High School, Ruth entered the nursing profession earning her RN from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Kankakee, IL. Once graduated, she moved to Cheyenne, WY to pursue nursing and additional college courses. After a couple years, she returned to WI and attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse where she met Merlin, her loving husband of 56 years. Upon Merlin’s graduation, they moved to Milwaukee, WI where she continued to pursue her nursing career in both hospital and home health care settings.
Over the course of her life, she and Merlin lived in Wisconsin, Southeastern Pennsylvania and finally in Northern New Jersey where she resided for nearly 40 years. Ruth’s love of God and the community saw her as an active member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Lake Tamarack community benefited from her involvement where she organized and participated in many events and involved in several committees. Ruth was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society of professional women and served on their board. An avid golfer, she loved her Wallkill Golf Club membership and the fellowship of her fellow members, especially the throwback 100th anniversary celebration. Most of all, she and Merlin loved to travel with family and friends taking them from Australia to Israel and everywhere in between. Later in life, she fell in love with painting and attending the Y for exercises. She continued to remain active until her death, not wanting to slow down.
Ruth is survived by her three sons: Shawn (Anna) of Redondo Beach, CA; Nathan of Clifton, NJ & Christopher (Mayette) DeMartino of Boonton, NJ. Her two grandchildren Nicole & Logan of Redondo Beach, CA were her pride and joy. Her older brother Bud Rogge and younger sister Lynne Hanson and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her older sister Connie and brother-in-law Lloyd Hanson.
The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks and appreciation to the outstanding staff at Newton Memorial Hospital for making Ruth and our family comfortable during her passing.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah. The Pastors of St. Paul will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday, at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
