MOUNT HOREB - Ruth Eleanor Rankin, age 102, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Ingleside Manor. She was born on May 17, 1922, the daughter of Ruben W. Mauer and Vida Brodt.

Ruth was born in Fennimore, Wis., in 1922 and graduated from high school there. She continued her education at UW-Milwaukee and graduated with a degree in elementary teaching with a music minor. Ruth spent her career teaching primary-aged children from 1945 until the mid-1980s. The school districts she taught in were all in Wisconsin, including Beloit, Columbus, Sheboygan, Janesville and Oshkosh. She loved teaching the kids and was instrumental in the success of many children's journeys in learning life's lessons.

Ruth was also a strong partner in her husband's calling as a United Methodist pastor who served in the East Wisconsin Conference in Almond, Columbus, Sheboygan, Janesville and Oshkosh.

Ruth is survived by her children, Rachel Ellen Rankin and Stephen Gregory (Margery) Rankin; grandson, Stephen Edward (Danielle) Rankin, and their children, Addison Otwinowski, William Otwinowski, Clara Rankin and John B. Rankin, all of Downer’s Grove, Ill.; granddaughter, Adena Rankin (Daniel) Rottinger, and their children, Lillian Rottinger, Gregory Rottinger and Henry Rottinger, all of Blue Mounds. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen; parents; sister, Grace Luhman; brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Ann Mauer; and brother-in-law, Burt Luhman.

Ruth expressed her heartfelt appreciation for all those at Ingleside Communities that kept her in their care and helped her navigate through her struggles in her final years.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077

Ruth Eleanor Rankin

May 17, 1922 - May 13, 2025

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