Ruth Hanusa

Hanusa, Ruth MADISON Ruth Hanusa died on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008 at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born in Winona, Minnesota, to the late Celia (nee Gilbertson) and Lloyd Sanderson. She was married on August 18, 1951, to Glen Hanusa in Platteville. Ruth was valedictorian of her high school class in Amery, where she won the governors essay contest. This was the beginning of her writing career. She graduated from Platteville State Teachers College at the top of her class. She then became the first public relations director for the college and advisor to the student newspaper, The Exponent. It was there she met her husband Glen, a returning war veteran, who wrote a column for the Exponent. Later she wrote freelance feature articles for the Milwaukee Journal, Wisconsin State Journal and the Telegraph Herald of Dubuque, Iowa. She had been a member of Bethel Lutheran Church since 1952, where she was active in Couples Club and church circles for many years. She loved her family, animals, including wild birds and her dog, Rascal, and reading talking books. She had a kind heart and enjoyed doing small things for others, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Glen; daughter, Mary Hanusa-Schuff and husband Rick Schuff; grandchildren, Derek (Mary) and Craig Schuff; and many other relatives including in-laws, Geraldine Sanderson, Rose (Ralph) Tracy, Roger (Evelyn) Hanusa, Robert (Elizabeth) Hanusa, Shirley (David) Buss, and Verill (David)Johnson, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; and her brother, Gilbert Sanderson. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, with the Rev. Duane Hanson and the Rev. George Hanusa presiding. Family and friends may call on Monday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to HospiceCare for the wonderful care they gave her during the past year. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.