Ruth Alice Czerepinski-McNeill
March 21, 1919 - January 23, 2019
Obituary
MADISON-Ruth Alice Czerepinski-McNeill, age 99, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at SSM Health-St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on March 21, 1919, in Cameron, the daughter of the Rev. George Edwards and Ethel Monks. She married Henry Czerepinski on Jan. 1, 1940. Ruth worked as a teacher's aide for Lowell Elementary School for many years. After her retirement she continued to volunteer. Ruth had a kind, gentle heart and a true love for children. She was a devout Christian and was committed to Monona United Methodist Church. Ruth had true passion and talent when it came to music and sung with both her church’s choir and the Madison Symphony Chorus. She kept a beautiful garden where she grew flowers, fruits and vegetables, turning fresh produce into treats her family could enjoy. Some of Ruth's specialties included raspberry jam, pies and raisin bread. She loved to travel and went countless times to Saudi Arabia to visit her daughter and son-in-law. Ruth is survived by her children, Ralph (Donna) Czerepinski, Virginia Domini, David (Michele) Czerepinski, John (Karen Ruud) Czerepinski, Kareema (Ahmed Jazzar) Czerepinski, Edie (Doug Fishbaugher) Illinski; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and longtime caretaker, Kelley Proctor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Czerepinski; parents; second husband, Hugh McNeill; siblings, Edith Hill, Clarence Edwards, and George Edwards; and grandson, Scott Czerepinski. A Funeral Service will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Rd., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, with the Rev. Brad Van Fossen presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be made to the Second Harvest Food Pantry in Ruth’s memory. The family would like to thank St. Mary's Hospital especially the 7 SW wing for their genuine compassionate care of Ruth. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon Jan 28, 2019 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Tue Jan 29, 2019 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Monona United Methodist Church • 606 Nichols Rd., Monona, WI
Service
Tue Jan 29, 2019 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Monona United Methodist Church • 606 Nichols Rd., Monona, WI
Photos
Memories
JO
Jim Okray
Other •
I am sorry to learn about the passing of "Aunt Ruth" as our family called her. I remember her as always smiley and cheerful and a great singer in the choir. She was a good friend with my mother Helene. We always had fun at the Czerepinski house when we were kids. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service as I am in Florida. Condolences from the Okray family.
Jim Okray
JR
Janice Ryan
Other •
Thoughts and Prayers to your whole family. Hope we all can live such a full life.
MM
Margaret McNeill-Pierce
Other •
We will certainly miss her quick wit, easy smile, and warm heart. It was an honor to have had her in our lives. God speed - a great Lady passes on. Support for all of you.
DM
Douglas McNeill
Other •
Ruth was short in altitude but tall in attitude. One of the first times I met her, she had scampered up a short stepladder and was standing on the kitchen counter to get something from an upper cabinet. I was honored to have served as the best man at her wedding to my father, Hugh McNeill. She will always have a place in my heart and her smile, like the smile of the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland, will linger longer there than almost anything else.
Douglas McNeill
Chesapeake, VA
RM
Robert McNeill
Other •
My father, Hugh McNeill, was exceptionally fortunate to have met and later married Ruth. One cannot expect such things in this world and we celebrated his (and Ruth's!) years together. Dad's description of her wonderful personality gave me a sudden last-minute inspiration on the day we first met to greet her with a broad smile and "You must be my wicked stepmother!" It certainly broke the ice on that occasion and became a standard family joke including many warm letters and cards signed "WSM." They were wonderful for each other and we miss them both.
Robert McNeill
RM
Rebecca McNeill
Other •
Thank you Ruth for your warm, generous, and energetic spirit. You brought so much happiness into our lives. I am sharing a picture of Ruth, Hugh, and our family (Bob McNeill, Hugh's son, Claire McNeill, Rebecca McNeill, and Katherine McNeill) in 1997 at my law school graduation family gala. I remember Ruth for her positive outlook on life. We miss you Ruth.