Ruth A. Jackson

MADISON-Ruth (Thompson) Jackson, age 104, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. She was born on June 15, 1912, in Moline, Ill., the daughter of Morris and Agnes (Klopinski) Thompson. Due to her father's construction career as a civil engineer they lived in a number of cities during her younger years. Ruth graduated in 1930, from Bay View High School in Milwaukee. She then attended Business College for two years in Chicago. Ruth worked for several insurance companies in Milwaukee over a period of 15 years. In 1947, she moved with her husband, Ivan Jackson to Madison. Ruth was employed at the Department of Health and Social Services for 12 years, and UW School of Journalism for two years. She retired in 1975 from the Elvehjem Museum of Art where she had been administrative secretary for eight years. After retirement, Ruth volunteered for the Volunteer Braillists & Tapists, Inc., Kohler Art Library, Zion Lutheran Church (where she was a member) and Meriter Hospital knitting caps and socks for newborns. She was recognized by both Volunteer Braillists and Meriter Hospital for her contributions. Having moved around so much as a young person gave her a comfort and interest to travel the world. Ruth set foot on all the continents except Antarctica. She was an avid sportswoman who participated in horseback riding, swimming, tennis, fishing, archery and bow hunting. Other hobbies she loved included playing bridge, knitting, sewing, quilting, reading and photography. Even with all her activities she always found time for her friends. Ruth was always very independent and did most of the work to make it to 104. In her later years, friends were there to support her on her path. A very special thanks to you all. Also, a special thanks to the entire staff of Oak Park Place for the care and love they showed her during her past two years of residence, especially the ladies and gentlemen on her second floor wing. In addition, thank you to the doctors and staff at Wildwood Clinic for their wonderful medical care, Agrace HospiceCare who made her final days comfortable, and Pastor Stephen Marsh who has provided for her spiritual needs. Ruth is survived by her son, Jeffrey Jackson of Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ivan; brother, Clifford; sister, Margaret Hoover; and brother, Howard. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 12 noon, on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Braille Library & Transcribing Services, Ltd., 517 N. Segoe Rd., #200, Madison, WI 53705 or Pinney Library, 204 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison WI 53716. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420