Ruth Esther Vivian Bries

MADISON-Ruth (Thornlund) Bries 85, of Madison, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital due to complications of COPD.   Ruth was born on March 15,1932, in Rockford,Ill., the daughter of the late, Esther O.  (Erickson) and Gust G. Thornlund. She was raised by her beloved mother, a hardworking Swedish immigrant who made her way to the United States as a single woman on the ship Carmonia at the tender age of 17.  Ruth spent her childhood and adolescence in Rockford, and graduated from East High School in 1950. Throughout her high school years, she juggled her academic responsibilities with work. She worked as a waitress at Pop In’s Drive In, a clerk in a local dress shop, a secretary at Mott Brothers Supply, and later, after high school, taught ballroom dancing at a local studio. Ruth had a passion for dance, and represented the studio in various public dance performances and competitions. It was dance that brought her and her first husband Robert together.  Ruth met Robert J. Christesen when he came to the studio for dance lessons, and the two began dating. They married on June 13, 1953, and relocated to Milwaukee, where their daughter Rene was born in 1955. The couple later moved to Rhinelander, and welcomed their daughter, Risë, in 1966. Shortly after the birth of their second child, the family relocated to Madison, where they resided until their divorce in 1970.  Ruth met Sherman Bries in 1971, and the two fell deeply in love. They were married Dec. 2, 1972, and remained steadfast together until Sherman’s death in 2005. Sherman and Ruth made a comfortable home in the woods in Cottage Grove and lived life to its fullest. Their shared work ethic made them an incredibly formidable team. They spent their leisure time camping, boating, golfing, snow and water skiing, fishing, dancing, playing cards, travelling, cooking, dining out, and being with friends and family.    Ruth was a woman of myriad talents and interests. She could make marzipan in the perfect miniature likeness of fruits and vegetables, amazing floral arrangements, cakes that were decorated with a pastry chef’s flair, and food that could grace a magazine cover. She loved to draw, crochet, and make ceramic figurines. She knew how to hang wallpaper, lay carpet, set tile, and fix almost anything. She loved to play the organ and sing along to all kinds of music. She was an avid reader of history, biography, stories of ancient civilizations, and the paranormal and unexplained. She could make the most finicky plants thrive under her green thumb, especially her orchids and Christmas cacti. She bowled many a 200 game, and more than a few 700 series while in a league. She loved movies at Sundance Theater, plays at The Fireside, making Swedish foods such as Raggmunk, Pressgurka, and Kokkaffe (Swedish pancakes, cucumber salad, and egg coffee), chocolate, playing cards (especially cribbage), fresh peaches and green grapes, fireworks on the 4th of July, decorating for all the holidays, hosting family get togethers, perusing antique malls, playing the slots at HoChunk Casino, and dining at a Wisconsin supper club or Red Lobster. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.  She is survived by daughters, Rene (Karen Larson) Christesen of Dodgeville and Risë (Geraldine Veneman) Christesen of Middleton; and sister-in-law, Jean Thornlund of Rockford Ill. In addition, she leaves behind special friends, Phyllis, Char, Millie, Caroline, Amy, and Karin. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sherman; former husband, Robert; brothers, Robert, Stuart, and Ralph; sisters, Viola, Florence, and Violet; and niece Marie, who was like a sister to her. She was also preceded in death by dear friends, Joanne and Wally McGill. The family would especially like to thank Kathi from Home Instead and nurse Sadie from St. Mary’s Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness. Ruth’s Celebration of Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, with the Rev. Schieble presiding. A private burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend some time with your mom if you are lucky enough that you still can. If not, please do something special for someone who needs some extra love and attention. Bring them the flowers while they live. Share your time, eat some Gail Ambrosious sea salt caramels, and sip some champagne. Ruth would really like that.   Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420