Ruth K. (Erickson) Bewick

MIDDLETON - Mrs. Ruth Kay Bewick, age of 95.93 years, passed away on September 27, 2025, at Oakwood Village, Madison, Wis. Ruth Kay Erickson was born in Madison, Wis., at the former Methodist Hospital on October 26, 1929. She graduated from East High School in Madison in 1947. After graduation, Ruth moved to Florida, where she lived and worked before eventually returning to Madison. Upon her return, she met her husband, Wayne Bewick. They were wed on September 2, 1950, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They stayed in the Madison area their entire lives and made a home for their daughter and two sons.

Ruth enjoyed working at CUNA Mutual Group for many years and made several lifelong friendships there. Friendship was a passion throughout Ruth’s entire life, and one of her favorite things was having lunch with her friends to reconnect and catch up on their lives. Ruth also loved to travel, with one highlight being her trip to Norway with her son, Gary. This trip was one of her best memories and a source of many good travel stories. She also enjoyed many family Disney Cruise Line vacations to the point that she viewed the Disney Wonder cruise ship as HER SHIP!

Ruth grew to love cats, with her first being named Lucky. At 92 years old, she found a perfect companion in her cat, Charlie. This sweet and loving animal brought her immeasurable joy in her last years of life. Ruth was a long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. She was confirmed there in 1944 and remained a member for 81 years.

Ruth is survived by her three children: her daughter, Catherine (Jeff) Abbott of Sun Prairie, Wis., and two sons, Gary Bewick of Black Earth, Wis., and Mark (Jennie) Bewick of Ocoee, Fla.; two grandchildren, Shana Abbott-Hicks (Cameron Hicks) of Sun Prairie, Wis., and Erica Abbott of Endeavor, Wis.; and two great-grandchildren, Natasha and Colin Hicks. She is also survived by her first cousin, David Jordan of San Diego, Calif. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Wayne; sister, Erie Kennedy; brother, James William Erickson Jr.; parents, Eva Luella and James William Erickson; and her grandparents, Anton and Mary Fjeld (Norwegian spelling).

A private funeral service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona, Wis., on October 6, 2025.

Donations may be made in Ruth’s name to Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin St., Madison, WI  53703. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761