Ruby Machut

MONONA – Ruby Machut, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, July 16, 2012. Ruby was born on Jan. 17, 1923 in Algoma, the daughter of Louis and Martha Gaulke. She graduated from Algoma High School. Ruby married Arwed Machut on Sept. 21, 1946, farming together in Kewaunee County. Together they moved to Madison in 1964, where they purchased the Edgewood Motel in Monona. Ruby took classes at MATC and UW-Madison. Ruby continued to manage the motel following her husband’s death in 1974 until her retirement in 1985, and was voted manager of the year by the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association for motels under 100 units. After retiring, Ruby was a volunteer receptionist at the Monona senior center for 7 years and belonged to the German club. She got a lot of pleasure out of Nick, a Siberian Husky owned by her son Jeff. Ruby was an avid Packers fan. She is survived by her children, Gary (Jaynanne) Machut of Roswell, Ga., Sharon Thornsen of Madison, Diane (Paul) Richards of Plymouth, Minn., and Jeffrey Machut of Monona; seven grandchildren, Rebecca (Jeremy) Litchfield, Christopher Machut, Natalie Cutler, Ryne and Katrina Thornsen, Michelle and Marc Richards; three sisters-in-law, Lorraine Machut, Bernice Machut and Eleanor Machut; and special friend, Judy Schmudlach. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters, Violet, LaVerne and Dorothy; and son-in-law, Jesse Thornsen. Funeral services will be held at EASTSIDE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2310 Independence Lane, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2012, with Pastor Nathan Fager presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to East Side Evangelical Lutheran Church. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pastor Glen Schmiege, Dr. Paul Wertsch at the Wildwood Clinic and the staffs of Harmony Place Assisted Living and Heritage Senior Living. Memorials may be made to East Side Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Funeral services will be held at EASTSIDE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2310 Independence Lane, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2012, with Pastor Nathan Fager presiding.