Ruth Lorene Shaffer

MIDDLETON-Ruth Lorene Shaffer, 74, died June 24, 2015. After a long journey with cancer, she left us as she lived; with grace and dignity.  Ruth was born August 28, 1940 to Urban and Mary (Ballweg) Fass in Roxbury, Wisconsin.  She was the third of four siblings; Margie (Syl) Ziegler, Bob (Pat) Fass and Larry (Connie) Fass. Ruth graduated from Middleton High School in 1958 where she met her future husband, Bob Shaffer. They married May 26,1962 and went on to raise three children Vicki, Kathi and Mark.   Ruth worked many years at the University of Wisconsin- Madison Education Placement and Career Services. Tributes to those who have passed often include a long list of professional accomplishments and awards. For those who knew and loved Ruth, it is clear her greatest accomplishment was how special she made those around her feel. Ruth paid attention to the little details, and in doing so, made everyone in her life know they were important.  Ruth's life centered around family. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren. Ruth was an ardent supporter of all they did and on the sidelines for every athletic competition, musical performance and school event. She was everyone's biggest cheerleader and a significant part of every occasion, be it big or small.  Beyond her family, Ruth enjoyed a love of books, taking photos, music and rooting for the Brewers, Badgers and Packers.  Ruth's life was grounded in her faith and life-long friendships. The most important thing to Ruth was being generous and kind. She always said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." Join us in honoring her memory by doing something nice for someone today.  Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Urban and Mary Fass. She is survived by her loving husband Robert "Bob" Shaffer of 53 years; her three children, Vicki Shaffer (Karen Hoffman), Kathi Thorson (Mark Langworthy), Mark Shaffer (Jennifer Weigel-Shaffer); four grandchildren Tyler, Kelli, Emily and Brady Thorson; three step-grandchildren Alex and Brett Weigel and Hannah Langworthy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave, Middleton at 11 AM on Monday, June 29, 2015, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Catholic Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Middleton from 4 PM until 7 PM  on Sunday, June 28, 2015 and also on Monday from 10 AM until the time of the mass. Memorials in Ruth's name can be gifted to The UW Carbone Cancer Center, Agrace HospiceCare or St. Bernard's Catholic Church.   A special thanks to all the family and friends who helped provide care and support, allowing Ruth to stay at home. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare, in particular Nicole and Rebecca. The family also wishes to extend their appreciation to everyone at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, especially Dr. Kyriakopoulos, for their care and dedication to Ruth and her family. Finally, a special thank you to Pete Gunderson for his assistance and friendship. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com