Ruth Gjermo,

Gjermo, Ruth E.COTTAGE GROVE-Ruth Eleanor Gjermo, age 69, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer on Thursday, May 6, 2010. She was born on Jan. 15, 1941, in Madison, the daughter of Edwin Carl and Mary Ellen (Russell) Horstmeyer. Ruth married Richard Gjermo on Oct. 15, 1960, at Hope Lutheran Church. She was a wife and a mother to two children. Ruth had worked part-time for Chase Lumber as a billing clerk. She also served as a village clerk for the village of Cottage Grove. Ruth had also worked as secretary/assistant clerk for the township of Cottage Grove for 27 years. She was a charter member of Cottage Grove Lioness Club, and had served as president and was on the board of directors. Ruth was awarded a Melvin Jones Lion Fellowship Award. She was recognized by the Lions Club with an Outstanding Citizen Award in 1993. Ruth was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and the church choir. She was also a past member of the West Koshkonong Lutheran Church choir. Ruth enjoyed bowling, playing in a golf league, and playing and coaching softball. She was a former member of the 600 Bowling Club. Ruth and Richard spent many hours boating, and she loved her numerous cruises and various trips. She enjoyed Badgers football and basketball games, and Packers games. Ruth also enjoyed watching her grandchildren perform in various activities. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Richard; son, Rock (Cathy); daughter, Rhonda (Scott) Jenkins; grandchildren, Britta, Hanna and Natalie Gjermo, and Abbigail, Rachel and Cal Jenkins; sister, Fran (Mel) Hubred; brother, Victor (Janice) Horstmeyer; and sister-in-law, Donna (Jon) Simon. Ruth leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Russ and Glen. Funeral services will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Road AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 10, 2010, with the Rev. Chris Lee-Thompson presiding. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2010, and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cottage Grove Lioness Club for the Lions Camp or Lions Eyebank, St. Pats Cancer Support Group or to Hope Lutheran Church Choir. Special thanks for their efforts to Dr. Wang of Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Dr. Kim and the staff at Dean Oncology, and to Dr. Tang and the staff at Turville Bay Radiology. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cottage Grove Lioness Club for the Lions Camp or Lions Eyebank, St. Pats Cancer Support Group or to Hope Lutheran Church Choir. Cemetery: Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2010, and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Service: Funeral services will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Road AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 10, 2010, with the Rev. Chris Lee-Thompson presiding.