MADISON - Ruth Ann Hugo, 58, of Madison, gained her angel wings on Friday, March 11, 2022, after a long, tenacious, and valiant battle against lung cancer (Small Cell Carcinoma). Ruth was born on Sept. 8, 1963, in Madison, the daughter of Richard and Jeanette (Finger) Jensen. She grew up in Oregon, Wis.

Ruth worked at Madison United Healthcare Linens in Madison, Wis., where she met her future husband, Kermit Hugo. In addition, she was a Certified Nursing Assistant III at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, and also spent 18 years as a Senior Beauty Advisor at Walgreens.

Ruth became a Gold Star Mother when her only daughter, Corporal Rachael “Combat Barbie” Hugo, assigned as a combat medic with the U.S. Army Reserve’s 303rd Military Police Battalion, was killed-in-action in 2007 while on a volunteer mission in Iraq. Ruth volunteered countless hours helping our nation's military members in her daughter's memory, and in her community.

Ruth LOVED all types of games and gameshows, especially playing online Scrabble with her sister, Betty. Ruth was also known for binge watching her favorite TV western “Gunsmoke,” crime dramas, Hallmark Channel movies, and gameshows. She loved taking long scenic motorcycle rides with her husband. Ruth was well known for her beautiful smile, and also for her awesome sense of humor, strength of mind and body, and her forgiving, loving, and generous nature.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Kermit Hugo; son, Scott Hugo; sisters Betty (Richard) Tracy and Nancy (Dennis) Sperry; brothers, Donald (Lori) Jensen and David Jensen and his life partner, Gene Hewuse; and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Corporal Rachael Hugo; father and mother, Richard and Jeanette; brothers, Leon Jensen, James “Jimmy” Jensen, Dennis (Joy) Jensen and Richard (Gail) Jensen; sisters, Karen (Howard) Turner and Elaine (Kent) Backey; and niece, Patricia Turner.

There will be a private family viewing, followed by a public service at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK Chapel (inside the main mausoleum), 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022.

Ruth’s family would like to thank her sister-in-law, Lynn Schommer, for helping her husband, Kermit, care for her during her final week and UW Carbone Cancer Center, Agrace HospiceCare and her in-home hospice care nurse, Rebecca, and social workers, Peg and Carmen, for their care and support.

It is said that death brings no more war, sickness, pain, or misery; only peace. Although you are missed, we know you are at peace, and no longer in pain. It gives us great comfort knowing you have been reunited in Heaven with your beloved daughter, family and friends, and are now in the arms of the Lord our God. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Ruth Ann Hugo

September 08, 1963 - March 11, 2022

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