Ruth (nee, Spink) Miller Kay

WAUNAKEE-Ruth(nee, Spink) Miller Kay, age 94, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2011. She was born on July 12, 1917, in Big Patch, WI, the daughter of Leslie and Gretta (Thomas) Spink. Ruth was united in marriage to Leroy “Buddy” Miller on November 22, 1945 in Big Patch. He preceded her in death in 1979. She later reacquainted with Cliff Kay at their 50th class reunion and they were married on June 19,1990. He also preceded her in death in 2004. Ruth earned her masters degree in education from the Northern Illinois University. Her dissertation using Dick and Jane, used ethnic examples to match those of her students increasing their ability to excel at reading. Ruth taught at many elementary schools including Belmont, Brodhead, Cedarburg, and Beloit, before settling at Rock River Elementary School in Rockford, IL., where she taught for over 40 years. She was a Sunday school teacher, who truly loved caring for babies, nature, animals, quilting and gardening. She was a great mother and nurturer. Ruth is survived by two daughters, Charlotte (Jerry) Kohn of Rio, Mary Miller of Lake Forest, IL.; two step-daughters, Karen Blomstrom of Madison, Virginia (Dan) Helsel of Sparta; six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Scott, Shannon, Ben, Mitch, Tanner; four siblings, Myrtle Pewitt, Esther Schaaf, Donald Spink, David Spink and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Gordon; four sisters, Florence, Alice, Shirley and Carol and a step-daughter, Linda. Funeral services will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 5763 County Highway Q, Waunakee at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 with the Reverend Susan Vergeront presiding. Burial will be in Big Patch Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 12:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to the Waunakee Manor, 801 Klein Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to the Waunakee Manor, 801 Klein Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 12:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. Funeral services will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 5763 County Highway Q, Waunakee at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 with the Reverend Susan Vergeront presiding.