Ruby Ann Karpelenia

COTTAGE GROVE-Ruby Ann Karpelenia, age 74, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018 at her home.  She was born on December 30, 1943, in Viola, WI, in southwest Wisconsin, the daughter of Leon and Isolene (Henthorn) Shaw.  She was the youngest of seven children, growing up on a farm where she learned to ride a horse before a bicycle.  She later moved to Madison with her family living on Williamson Street. Ruby graduated from Madison East High School in 1962. She met her future husband, Charles Karpelenia, the summer after her junior year of high school while she was with friends at Tenney Park in Madison.  She went on to date him through her senior year and after graduation.  She later married Charles on June 4, 1965 in Madison at Bethel Lutheran Church by Rev. Robert Borgwardt and enjoyed nearly 53 years of wonderful marriage producing two loving sons and many fond memories. Ruby had several careers over her lifetime – working at WPS after graduating from high school, bookkeeping for Charles’ and her business (Kidder’s Radio & Television), a homemaker while raising her two boys, and, lastly, as a human resources payroll specialist for the Dept. of Corrections.  She retired from the Dept. of Corrections in December 2000. She was a member of the Lions Club International (a Lioness) and all the many car clubs that Charles and she had an interest in. Ruby was very creative and enjoyed knitting, sewing, and gardening.  She spent many years of her retirement attending to the many planting areas around the house and managing the vegetable garden.  Ruby also was very fond of baking and cooking – her Christmas cookies were always a very much anticipated item each year. Ruby is survived by her loving husband, Charles; her two sons, Kevin (Julie), and Charlie (Jenny); four grandsons, Noah, Alex, Jack, and Ian; her sister Wanda. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Larry, Alan, Cleve, and Dale; sister, Norma. A Celebration of Life will be held at GUNDERSON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, with Rev. F. Gary Reynolds presiding.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Olbrich Gardens, one of Ruby’s favorite places to visit.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420