Ruth Ella Navratil
January 18, 1930 - June 18, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Ruth Ella Navratil, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at UW-Hospital. She was born on Jan. 18, 1930, in Madison, the daughter of Edward and Ella Harbort. She married Charles Navratil on February 14, 1953. Ruth was the cornerstone of her family, hosting family gatherings on holidays. She loved her grandkids and the recent visit from her great-grandchildren lit up her life in the hospital. Ruth loved to cook and entertain her family and friends. She also had a wonderful sense of humor, often using her quick wit to show her affection. Ruth is survived by daughters, Nancy (Don) Alexejun, Susan (Mike) Altendorf and Gail (Michael) Fisch; grandchildren, Brad (Stacy) Alexejun, Matt Altendorf, Andrea (Aaron) Huggett, Steven (Becky) Herbel, Tim Altendorf and Casey Herbel; great-grandchildren, Lucy Alexejun and Ella Huggett; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles; brothers, Edward (Anna Mae) Harbort and John (Dorothy) Harbort; and sister, Joyce (John) Myrold. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Hwy 51 at Jackson St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to honor her great-great niece, Grace Brezenski, to American Family Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy 51 at Jackson St.
608-873-4590
Events
Visitation
Thu Jun 22, 2017 @ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Stoughton • 1358 Hwy 51, P.O. Box 96, Stoughton, WI 53589
Visitation
Fri Jun 23, 2017 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Stoughton • 1358 Hwy 51, P.O. Box 96, Stoughton, WI 53589
Service
Fri Jun 23, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Stoughton • 1358 Hwy 51, P.O. Box 96, Stoughton, WI 53589
Photos
Memories
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Cheryl Engibous
Other •
I have had the honor of knowing Ruth for all the years I've been a friend to Nancy...since kindergarten. I spent many a day & night in Ruth's and Chuck's home. We did school projects, and made brownies and cookies in her kitchen. Nancy learned how to be a great hostess and cook from observing her mom. I'm not sure her example of ladylike behavior stuck with either of us... I can vividly picture the different looks she gave us, but rarely were they angry. I loved her smile and sense of humor, and she was always
impeccably dressed. I appreciated her acceptance, tolerance, and love she gave me, especially during those H.S. years. She was a wonderful mom of three daughters, all different,
Thanks Ruthie. It has been a privilege to know you. You will be terribly missed by all!!
Say hi to Chuck.
Love you always,
Cheryl Takle (Engibous)
JW
Jaelene Wentland
Other •
I remember Ruth as a fun- loving person and having great love for her family. I am sure all of you have wonderful memories also
SA
Sue Altendorf
Other •
Shared a photo.
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LG
Lonny Grieve
Other •
There will always be a void that only Aunt Rudy could fill. I think that Cheryl described her perfectly below. She was always there for us, even when she was sick.
I will miss you terribly Root Toots.
Lonny
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Nancy Alexejun
Other •
More memories of mom...
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EZ
Eric Zalas
Other •
I am truly saddened to hear of the loss of your mother, Ruth.
Many warm and fond memories come to mind when I think of Ruth Navratil. When all of us were young and in college in the 1970’s, we frequently spent weekends at the Madison home of Ruth and her late husband Chuck. Ruth was a very gracious host who always made the friends of her three daughters, Nancy, Susan and Gail, feel extremely welcome in her home. It was my pleasure to know Ruth and experience the genuine joy and kindhearted nature of her spirit.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire extended family at this time.
Regards, Eric Zalas