Ruth Ellen Rodgers

Ruth Ellen Rodgers

April 08, 1940 - December 12, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Ruth Ellen Rodgers, age 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at Agrace Residence in Fitchburg.


Ruth Ellen was born on April 8, 1940, in Madison, to Dorsey and Elizabeth (Glenn) Botham. She attended Edgewood High School. Ruth Ellen married Theodore T. Trulson on Feb. 8, 1964, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He preceded Ruth Ellen in death on May 31, 1977. She married F. Raymond Rodgers on Nov. 19, 1988, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. She worked at University Wisconsin Continuing Medical Education until her retirement.


Ruth Ellen will be remembered as a devoted sister, friend, wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and was incredibly proud of her family. Ruth Ellen loved crosswords, cheering on the Badgers and Packers, and the beautiful view from her sunroom. She also enjoyed trying new recipes and entertaining friends and family.


Ruth Ellen is survived by her children, Theodore “Ted” Trulson, Laura (Robert) Paella and David (Jill) Trulson; grandchildren, Brett, Ellie, Julia, Anthony and Nathaniel; sisters, Jane "Nip" Botham, Rosemary Kibbe, Roseanne Raemisch, Betty Lou Botham, Barbara Botham and Bridget Kenngott; brother, Stephen (Jeanne) Botham; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; and two of her brothers, James “Tuck” and Tom.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. A luncheon will follow at the church. Visitation will be held before the Mass at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday. Ruth Ellen will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth Ellen’s name to Agrace HospiceCare. A special thank you from Ruth Ellen’s family to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare and Agrace Residence for their compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

18
Visitation
Mon Dec 18, 2023 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
18
Mass of Christian Burial
Mon Dec 18, 2023 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions
18
Graveside Service
Mon Dec 18, 2023 @ 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
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18
Luncheon After Burial
Mon Dec 18, 2023 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Ruth
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sandy kaufmann
Other •
So many fond memories of fun times at Picnic Point with the kids in the Trulson boat in the "adults" in the Kaufmann boat. Ruth Ellen always had the big smile for everyone and will be so missed. Sandy Kaufmann
CK
Cathy Kaufmann
Other •
In the midst of the chaos of family gatherings, Ruth Ellen had a way of making me feel welcome and loved no matter how long it had been since I'd seen her. Ruth Ellen, you will be missed. Much love family during this time of loss.
JC
Jill Carr
Other •
My childhood memories are filled with the Trulsons! One of my favorite things growing up was when we all got to go the Trulson home, which was often! Their house was always so welcoming and Ruth Ellen had an effortless way to entertain. My goal, and I think my cousin Laura's goal, was to end up having a sleep over every time we were together...and it seemed Ruth Ellen and Ted never said no! She had an easiness and love to her that I always felt grateful for when spending time with her, both as a kid and as an adult. She was just always a good and easy time to me! One of my favs..... My sympathies to Ted, Laura, Bob, Dave and Jill. Your mom will be missed.... love you guys!
MW
Marge Weiland
Other •
As Ruth Ellen's immediate neighbor, I must say she was always a delight to talk to. Even as her illness progressed she kept the most upbeat demeanor. Ruth Ellen was a real class act. She taught all around her a lesson in how to deal with adversity. She will be sorely missed.
BS
Barbara Shackelton
Other •
Ruth Ellen and I were dear friends during our days at Edgewood High School. We laughed a lot, cheered on our teams, sang (yelled) with our favorite groups' 45 records. My husband Doug and I were the 11th and 12th children in the Botham family -- always welcome at the family home in Maple Bluff. I have missed seeing Ruth Ellen in the more recent years -- and will continue to miss her. But I will always remember her love of her family and her smile, laugh, kindness, and friendship. Barbara Hauptmann Shackelton
MT
Mary Thompson
Other •
Laura—My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Altho we only met briefly we walked the same road. Your Agrace neighbor, Mary

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